What an amazing day!

The return of the Gipsy Moth to Plymouth was incredible, not least because after throwing wind and rain in very good measure the weather gods decided to play fair and offer a sparkling day with wind enough, sunshine and beautiful puffy clouds.

My day began with a "car dance" in the car park of our Faulty Tower-esque B&B. The owners were lovely but their car park was so tiny. With the UKSA vans and other guests cars also entering the "dance" it made for an exciting exit down a very tight passageway.

The Royal Western Yacht Club had played a big part in the "Moth's" life and after a media briefing I caught sight of the detailed and very evocative painting which captured the arrival of Sir Francis Chichester fourty years ago to the day. It certainly sent a shiver of excitement through me and set me up for the day.

And what a day!

The stage on the Hoe was a perfect viewing point for the flotilla of vessels that met the Gipsy Moth as she made her way to the West Hoe. All I had to do was to add the wordy bits to a glorious scene which was being beamed onto the giant scenes on the Hoe. And a very full Hoe it was, as the time of arrival got nearer people just kept on arriving!

Being in two places at once seems to be the story of my life. You can bet your life if someone asks me to commentate on something really exciting the next day I'll get a call asking me to film or do radio for something else - all on the same day. How come there are 365 and yet everything good happens on 10% of them!! Moan, moan you cry!

Anyway the two places in this case were the Stage on the Hoe and the West Hoe. Problem was solved by two lovely men from Plymouth City Council who whisked me down to the West Hoe in their van - thanks guys!

So to the arrival and it was lovely, the young crew looked and sounded so proud to sail in on her and the VIPS all smiled broadly at the sight of the thousands who had turned out to see the spectacle. Both Giles Chichester and his son were there for the moment and it was uncanny how like Sir Francis his grandson looked!

For the crowds on the Hoe the day finished on the 60's theme it had begun on - with a rousing set from the Fab Beatles and very fab they were too. Was it the relief that my interviews and commentary were over or just joy at a great day but there was definitely a bit of a twist and shout moment!!

Next stop an interview with Sir Robin Knox Johnston...

Do I need to take my Bowls!!

Welcome to my blog - hopefully a glimpse at my mad world!

First I guess the introductions, Well I am Tracey Clarke, better known to my friends and in the marine world at least as "TC" - chosen because my sixties name wouldn't allow me to have any friends called "Sharon"! (Remember the screen visors?!)

Amongst other more "grown-up" consultancy jobs I am a freelance broadcaster, commentator and writer with live events being my love.

Don't mind what the event is from a garden fete to Crufts or World Entrepeneur of the Year - I love being there and being a part of the event. Hence this blog, a bit of an outlet for my enthusiasm and hopefully a flavour of events across the country and, hey lets be optimistic this year, the world! Hope you like the flavour and feel a part of it too. If you do, please let me know via the Yachting TV web site. If you don't can you make it gentle as I am a bit of a softy where horrific personal criticism is concerned!

So what's first - well Bank Holiday Monday will see me heading to the West for the triumphant return of the Gipsy Moth IV to Plymouth. Sir Francis Chichester's amazing yacht has been on its second world odyssey, this time with some lucky young people and a host of willing volunteers. No doubt she will have a tale or two to tell the other boats in the harbour when she returns and I am really looking forward to chatting to the people behind making it all happen, David Green and Paul Gelder.

It is a spooky co-incidence that the Cutty Sark should suffer the dreadful fire in the last couple of days as it was in front of that magnificent ship that Gipsy Moth was re-dedicated by the Princess Royal in September 2005. Drinks were on board the Cutty Sark and it's very sad to think of that wonderful old ship in such a state.

Anyway the schedule of Events for Gipsy Moth has just hit my Inbox so I think Plymouth is in for a treat! In case you are in the West the Main Stage on the Hoe comes to life at 12.30. There will be the Fab Beatles and Gipsy Moth IV is due to come into view around 2pm.

More of this over the weekend.

Thanks for reading!!