Leading new crew
There are also a huge number of crew changes – just eight of Sanya’s crew completed the whole round the world course; the remaining 60 were all ‘leggers’, booked on for one or more individual stages. Getting an ever-changing balance of personalities to gel would be a big ask for any leader, let alone the sole skipper of a 70ft yacht leading a crew in a demanding and unfamiliar environment.
“The first time was a little bit tougher – we had really different personalities and not quite as much experience,” recalls Tuck. “This time I had a couple more people who could sail quite well, and everyone just gelled together. I don’t know if it was anything I did, but it was quite clear to me it was a tight knit team straight from the beginning.”
Tuck says one of the hardest aspects for the role was when crew looked to her for more emotional support than she could give.
“Some people have the attitude that I’m supposed to be their entertainment manager and keep them happy the whole time. You can only make yourself happy, no one else is responsible for your happiness. I can’t help you. I can sail the boat well, but I’m not here to make you happy.”
Anyone expecting a motherly approach from Tuck was on the wrong boat: Wendo is quick to crack a smile but freely admits she’s not the most naturally compassionate person.
“It’s a really horrible trait not to have but I know I don’t have it. If someone’s really