Ebru, what exactly appeals to you about this retro regatta around the world?
Ebru Yaral: I have dreamed of sailing around the world since I was a child. I enthusiastically followed the last Vendée Globes and this year's Ocean Race, knowing full well that at the age of 43 I will no longer be a professional sailor. When I read the announcement for the Ocean Globe Race, in which 70 per cent of the crews are to be amateurs, I knew that this would be my only chance to embark on this fantastic adventure.
How did you make the leap into the Allspice Yachting team?
Our South African boat is more of an underdog, without sponsors, so we have to finance all the costs ourselves. I think what they were looking for were people who could raise the money for it and who had the right mindset and character. We don't have anyone on board who is obsessed with the idea of having to win this regatta. Rather, our common goal is to "get around" once and finish the race in the harbour. And if we get stuck in the Doldrums for a week, we won't be at each other's throats straight away. (Laughs)
But it wasn't quite that simple, was it?
I've been trying to get on a boat for two years. This one was my last shot, so to speak. In September 2022, I read that this boat was still looking for crew, so I simply wrote an email. I received a Google form with questions like "What is your goal with this regatta?" or "What is a successful campaign for you?" I was surprised myself that no sailing CV was required. Video calls followed and I ended up on the waiting list without a concrete confirmation.
And when did this come?
It didn't actually come until March of this year, although we were in contact the whole time and I was always invited to the online team meetings. That was pretty last-minute. In June, we did our first trip together from the Azores to Brittany, where I was also able to prove myself in practice for the Ocean Globe Race.
But you still had sailing experience before?
Sure, even though I only took my first dinghy course on the Alster in Hamburg during my studies. I've been sailing with a friend on a Sunfast 3200 off Fehmarn almost every weekend for a few years now. We train properly and take part in as many regattas as possible. I've also sailed in a few hand-against-boat races.
How did your employer react to your request for an adventure break?
Fortunately, Airbus has a great sabbatical programme. I took ten months off and continue to receive 75 per cent of my salary during this time. "Back to work", I then continue to receive the reduced salary for three times as long and can work it off afterwards. It went very smoothly and my boss gave me her full support despite the long period of uncertainty as to whether I would be able to travel at all.
How big is the crew and who are the people you will be travelling with for eight months at sea?
We are four women and four men on board, which makes life very relaxed. Three South Africans, including the owner and co-skipper, two US-Americans, two Englishmen and me, a German-Turkish woman from Hamburg. On the third leg, a Chinese man joins us. The youngest team member is 23, the oldest sailor is 57 years old.
How are you spending the last few days before the start?
Our Swan 53 was the first boat in the Ocean Village Marina in Southampton, and we all sleep on board so that we can work on the boat at any time or have a beer with the neighbouring crew. You meet so many like-minded people here and chat a lot with the other participants. Even if there is a certain level of excitement, everyone here is very positive and collaborative - everyone helps each other and gives tips.
Many ocean sailors fear the doldrums more than storms- What's your situation?
So I'm definitely more afraid of the storms, especially in the Southern Ocean with the cold and wet. During the doldrums I think I can keep myself quite busy. (Laughs)
Are you afraid of anything else?
Clearly before falling overboard. This is a topic that needs to be dealt with in detail in advance, including all the consequences.
How can you prepare for this?
We talk about it a lot in the team. Part of crisis management on the part of the race organisers is also that you have to prepare yourself and your family for the fact that the worst-case scenario can happen in this race. Avoiding such a situation is a top priority on board, which is why we always have to be involved. In addition, we have developed various recovery scenarios especially for our boat in case someone does go overboard.
What is your job on board?
In principle, everyone does everything on board and is sometimes at the helm, responsible for trimming the sails or working hard in the galley. But there is a main person responsible for all medical matters, we have a cameraman and I am responsible for the MOB systems. Even though we are not allowed to use GPS in the Ocean Globe Race, it is on board for emergencies. Every day we have to make sure that these systems are working and I am responsible for that.
Do you have any personal items in your luggage?
Yes, my Walkman! I found it again at my mum's and it still works. Plus various music cassettes. As we're not allowed to use digital music, that's obviously brilliant. That way, I can also withdraw from time to time and listen to my music. Everyone is also allowed to take a maximum of three books in English with them - so they can exchange them with each other. And my family gave me a cushion with printed pictures on it, a bit cheesy, but that way I always have them with me.
And what does she say about your extreme trip?
My sister can't really understand why I absolutely have to do it, and my mum secretly hoped until the end that it wouldn't work out somehow. But they all support me!
Do you have a sailing idol?
Listening to Boris Herrmann was always very enjoyable, especially during the Vendée Globe. I also always thought Sam Davies and Pip Hare were strong, and Kirsten Neuschäfer impressed me with her relaxed, down-to-earth manner during the Golden Globe Race. She is definitely a role model for me for what she has achieved.
What will you miss?
I will miss my family very much, especially my nephew and niece, who are one and a half and three and a half years old. And of course, as a German-Turk, the Turkish breakfast!
