Crew Blog

Banana Bay Bruce

12 May 2008

No he wasn’t Australian, but his hospitality and help have lifted spirits on board to new heights. The Banana Bay Marina (yes, the same one mentioned in every blog you’ve read for the last day or so) was, well, top banana. Run by Bruce, who drove there from Florida 11 years ago and never returned, the place hit the spot precisely. Cold beer, coffee and fruit brought to us by Kirsten (who gained several fans in a short time) (not just for the beer), enough fuel to get us to Panama and beyond, and some interesting navigation in the dark all served to make this shortest of stops a memorable experience. Now on our way to hand over some fuel to Nova Scotia, we’re back on course and only 36 hours from the southern end of the Panama Canal, hoping to catch some fish after some tips from Bruce himself.

The official photographers were out in force today, recording for posterity the crew moustaches. I’m sure you’ll agree, from the photo accompanying this blog, that the girls are the real winners. Determined not to be outdone by those with more testosterone, they really pulled the stops out and showed us wig-making as it ought to be done. And Marcus insists that the woman from Costa Rican immigration was smiling only at his moustache (“Oh señor, your moustache ees so macho.”).

As we pass out of the bay, we are sailing past rain forest and into the night. In the distance, lightning storms keep us smiling and the dull thud of the engine lulls us to sleep; it’s odd how the constant noise can itself be calming compared to being under sail. We all think of sailing as peaceful but it can be harsh and violent when the wind is up and the seas heavy. But for now, it’s smoothly on to the canal and, we hope, a night or two in Panama City.

Christian

1. Rachel Presant Collins, greece 15 May 2008

Well hello there Qingdao!!! Greetings from sunny Greece ! Great taches all of you but time to don those Panama hats - have fun going thru the canal and all the very very best of luck in the next leg!!

2. Derek Williams, Rochdale 16 May 2008

Happy Birthday Emma (16 May). Have a good day in Panama. Enjoy trip through canal. Another podium place in Jamaica? - remember cool runnings.
Love Mum and Dad

3. Paul Richmond, Wadhurst England 18 May 2008

Hi there Qingdao
It sounds so peaceful… Panama canal… the sound of those diesel engines - but what’s this we see? Who is that at the helm? That’s no moustache ! Surely it’s a full grown beard on the Qingdao’s very own Captain Haddock - Present - Collins !!!!! Perhaps Tintin and Snowy got left at immigration...?

Good luck on the next leg - wer’e all cheering you on for a podium place

Paul and Jan
xxx

4. Chloe Mcdonnell, Liverpool 23 May 2008

Hi ! I’m From Liverpool . I Hope you Win In the Clipper Race Around The World . My school either adopted Uniquely Singapore or Qingdao . We come online and give the Clipper Crews Some support , so i hope ypur doing well in the race , i belive one of the crews masts fell of into the sea ! I cant wait to come to the albert dock to see all the clipper ships come in , i can’t wait to see who wins aswell . Good Luck ! Bye x

5. PCM, West Midlands 23 May 2008

Hi Crew Qingdao, Hope you are enjoying the new horizon. Abigail, Martin and Paul were a success but all the news will be waiting for your return. Keep smiling, PCM

6. william lomax, pilling lancashire 14 June 2008

Hello Emma, Mum &Dad;told us about your adventure when they came to visit yesterday. WELL DONE YOU!!!! Hope you have a great journey. We will be thinking about you and hoping you come home at the front of the rest!!!
Lots of luck from Glynis & Bill

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