Blair Tuke realises that one mistake on the Volvo Ocean Race could make it a long journey.
Tuke's Mapfre were pipped by just 56 seconds in the famous Fastnet Race by China's Dongfeng Race Team in a thrilling finish to the two-and-a-half-day race.
The Kerikeri sailor said he took a lot from the event.
"You make one mistake and someone will pass you. You think you've been going well and you look around and see the other boats still around you," he said.
"If going around the world is going to be anything like this, it's going to be a long nine months.