Crew Blog

Halifax to Sydney D250

13 June 2008

After a great visit to Halifax giving me a chance to catch up with a few of my relatives who live there, sample some of the fantastic hospitality and many delights such as great food, drink and sights we are now back sailing again up to Sydney on a short race of around 260miles.  This race does not have any effect on our points but has been set up to celebrate 250 years of Democracy in Nova Scotia, a similar style race to our very own Wilberforce Cup completed in July 07 prior to the start of the clipper race.

The race start was downwind and most of the yachts eased or poled out their headsails, bar Nova Scotia who hoisted their mid weight spinnaker and continued to fly this till late on into the afternoon. 

At lunch we celebrated Q’s birthday with cake and a few gifts, I think he thought we had forgotten and he had managed to keep it quiet.  He should know by now that nothing is a secret on H&H, especially not when it is an excuse for a party!

Western Australia and Singapore have taken the lead and as the sun sets are still in sight on the horizon.  The big orange boat lies in 3rd place, with the rest of the fleet closely behind but slowly gaining on the leaders.  After the light winds experienced earlier we are now sailing with up to 20 knots expecting to increase to 30 later tonight.  This only highlights the variable weather of Nova Scotia, the saying here is “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes!” luckily there is currently no fog, which seams to have been with us since New York.

Next stop Sydney……

Rachel