From one perspective the lack of wind on the Bermuda to Charleston leg of the race was a hindrance.
On the other hand it also gave crewmembers an opportunity to enjoy the spectacle of the wide-open Atlantic Ocean and spend some quality time learning about sail training.
Certainly for two Bermudan participants aboard the Dutch Tecla, which is provisionally second place in the race overall, the down time provided some of the most memorable moments of the trip.
Ashley Madeiros of Smiths Parish said swimming in the Atlantic was unforgettable.
"This trip was more than I expected - every day was a new adventure. The sea was a little calm but we went swimming in the middle of the Atlantic which is something that many people can't say. It was amazing.
"We saw whales and millions of jellyfish. Yesterday we came within 200 metres of one whale and it came right out of the water."
Learning experiences
The hours at sea also provided some quality learning experiences.
"We learned all the ropes, we put up the sails, we tacked, we jibbed and everyday we would have a lesson in the afternoon. Learning the ropes was really tricky. We were given a diagram we had to learn then they would call the names out and we would have to run and see which we could identify fastest. That made it easier to pick up.
"We got to drive the helm and the first night I got 40 degrees off course which wasn't good - I went the wrong way for about 5 minutes! It's really hard because the sea was rough and it was hard to steer - if you look away and talk to someone for one minute and look back you can be off.
"The highlight of learning to sail was putting up the sails. We were all working as a team.
"Just seeing it sail really fast - we are always looking at the GPS - 5 knots, six knots."
One of the exercises was to test out the safety suits on the boat but Ashley found herself in a pickle after forgetting one key step.
"We had to test these big red safety suits, we were really hot and we looked like giant Telly Tubbies floating in the water.
"I forgot to do my mouth piece up and my feet filled up with water so I had to be hauled out.
"That was quite an experience!"
Jason Stovell from Warwick echoed Ashley's sentiments about the amount of spare time they had as a result of the weather.
"We got to go swimming and explore the water," he said. "If we had rushed it wouldn't have been as good - we got a lot of time to learn about celestial navigation and the stars, and moon and sun.
"I loved being the helmsman. At first it was difficult but my on my second try I got it down pretty easy - I kind of liked being on the helm whenever I could."
His first time in a Tall Ships race Jason said he would definitely do the same again.
"I would advise anyone to do this, it is a once in a lifetime chance. To see what I saw on this trip - I wouldn't pass it up for anything. It was a learning experience. It's something I could constantly talk to people about - it was just one of those trips. I really appreciate it."
After 22 days at sea Tecla came in late on Monday night and there was a slight possibility it wouldn't be able to sail through Town Cut in St. George's to dock.
Ashley recalls: "Everyone's families were at the cut screaming their heads off like Bermudians do and that was just awesome.
We got in we had quite a long night of celebrations."
