October has been one of those months that perfectly captures the essence of what we’re doing with The Famous Project CIC — balancing meticulous preparation with purposeful action. From medical training to intense ocean racing, and a moment of personal reflection, this month has reminded me why I love what I do.
Medical Training: More Than Just Bandages
The month started not on deck, but in the classroom. Annemieke Bes and I headed to MSOS, our telemedical support providers, for a refresher course in Proficiency of Medical Care. As the designated medics aboard The Famous Project CIC, staying sharp isn’t optional — it’s essential.
This wasn’t your typical first aid course. We worked through complex scenarios, practised hands-on procedures, and reminded ourselves that good seamanship extends far beyond sail trim and weather routing. When you’re thousands of miles from shore, being able to stay calm and confident in a medical emergency can make all the difference.
There was something uniquely challenging about practising on each other. When it’s your colleague or friend who needs help — someone you know, someone you care about — the pressure intensifies. That’s exactly why we did it. Out there on the water, your crewmates aren’t strangers. They’re your team, your family. Training under that added layer of emotional pressure better prepares us for the reality we might face.
Back to Brest: Pushing the Limits
No sooner had I packed away the bandages than I was on my way back to Brest, where our Famous Project CIC team continues preparing for our Jules Verne Trophy attempt aboard the mighty Maxi Trimaran IDEC Sport. These training sessions are where theory meets reality – intense, demanding, and absolutely invaluable.
We were fortunate to train with Brian Thompson, whose expertise and calm authority at sea are second to none. Brian’s coaching has helped us fine-tune our performance and strengthen our team dynamics – those crucial marginal gains that will make all the difference when we take on the planet’s toughest challenge.
This month, Mother Nature decided to push us harder. The conditions were significantly bigger and stronger than what we experienced during the summer -exactly what we needed. It’s one thing to sail fast in perfect conditions; it’s quite another to maintain that performance when the waves are towering and the wind is howling. These challenging sessions gave us a much more realistic preview of what life will really be like as we chase the record around the world.
The Work Behind the Work
Record-breaking doesn’t happen just on the water. Behind every training session, there’s an entire world of logistics that most people never see. We’ve been deep into provisioning – calculating exactly what food will fuel us across oceans when there’s no option to pop to the shops. We’ve been testing and refining our gear and clothing, ensuring everything performs when it matters most.
We’ve also spent valuable time with our partners and their guests, sharing our story and vision. It’s incredibly motivating to see how our campaign resonates beyond the sailing community. The message at the heart of The Famous Project – inclusion, teamwork, and pushing boundaries – connects with people from all walks of life. These conversations remind us that what we’re attempting isn’t just about speed records. It’s about inspiring others to pursue their own challenges, whatever they might be.
A Personal Honour: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Amidst all the training and preparation, I made a quick stop back home in the UK for a deeply personal milestone. I travelled to Leeds to be inducted into the Carnegie School of Sport Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural alumni group.
Standing alongside other remarkable individuals who have made their mark in sport was both humbling and inspiring. Moments like these make you pause and reflect not just on your own journey, but on the legacy created by those who came before, and the responsibility we all share to inspire those who come next.
As Sir Isaac Newton said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” None of us achieves anything in isolation. We build on the foundation laid by others, and in turn, we become part of that foundation for the next generation.
From the classroom to the ocean to the Hall of Fame, October has reminded me exactly why I do what I do. It’s about continuous learning, constant growth, and meaningful connection – whether that’s with a crew in the middle of the Atlantic or with someone dreaming of their own adventure.
As the nights draw in and our preparations intensify, I find myself more motivated than ever. The challenges ahead are real and significant, but so are the opportunities. Every training session, every conversation, every moment of preparation brings us closer to that start line.
The journey continues, and I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead.
