The Hatch

Chinese ceremonies and Pacific preparations

22 February 2008

The last leg of the Clipper 07-08 race from Singapore to Qingdao was a tough one for the crews.  This is the first time they had to beat for thousands of miles against winds between 20 to 30 knots and experience the highly uncomfortable short seas off Taiwan.  It’s a reminder that sailing is not always blue skies, fresh winds and moderate seas. But there are compensations.  There is the satisfaction of achieving a tough voyage, the knowledge that you are capable of handling such conditions, and, at the end, an unexpectedly superlative reception in Qingdao.

If the policy of the authorities in Qingdao was to impress they were 100% successful.  Each crew was drummed ashore and received by dignitaries on a stage. The prize giving was an example of the wide range of Chinese cultural abilities, something none of us will forget.  The people are friendly and helpful.  The weather was fine, dry and clear which enabled the inevitable damage from the previous leg to be repaired, boats cleaned and prepared for the next long leg. The Clipper black hand gang has been on hand again to assist, but the routine repairs are now within the capabilities of the crews, adding to their knowledge and experience.  Sailing across oceans is not just steering and handling sheets, a real sailor knows how to keep their boat operating and that means knowledge of the systems and how to repair them if necessary.

Qingdao is a modern city with boutiques offering most famous western brands, and there is plenty of choice for the food for the next 28 days, the estimated time it will take to reach Hawaii.  Having tried a pot of dried noodles however, I am hoping not too many of these will be carried!

The next leg is a first for Clipper.  The race has visited Hawaii before but not from China.  It provides an interesting challenge tactically.  To start with a beat out beyond Japan and then search for westerlies, but at some stage the high pressure system has to be crossed as the boats need to head south for Hawaii and the decision as to where to do this will probably decide the race.  South of the high the winds will be easterlies, creating a beat, and the boats will not want to do this for too long as it is less effective than running before the westerlies to be found north of the high.  The crews can brush up their spinniker skills again, and enjoy the wonderful sensation of surfing these fast boats in ideal conditions.

We shall watch with interest to see how the skippers and crews handle this little problem, wishing, a lot, that one was there to share the experience.  The race is very close at the top and there is everything to strive for.