Crew Blog

Celebrations on Qingdao

03 March 2008

Qingdao's crew wish Chris happy ninth birthday with a plate of Oscar's homemade scones

It’s been a week since we left the Olympic port of Qingdao. Since then we’ve had all kinds of weather starting with snow, then warm sunshine, strong wind, no wind, rain.

The past two days have been quite eventful. Chris, one of our watch leaders, became a year older. I can’t say how old exactly. You will have to ask him yourself. [He was 9! Think about it…] We celebrated his birthday on deck with scones, freshly baked by Oscar. Delicious! Chris, happy birthday from all of us, one more time.

During one of the night watches we broached. It was a little scary with one side of the boat submerged in water but thanks to the good team work all ended well. Apart from that we’ve had fun sailing, a few trips up the mast and few small repairs.

At present our main concern is the water maker. We are experiencing technical problems with it. If we don’t manage to fix it the only drinking water we have is what is left in the water tanks. That definitely won’t last till we get to Hawaii. We will have to be very creative. It rained the other day and we decided to try and fill few pots and pans with rain water but unfortunately the rain didn’t last long enough. It’s probably best if I don’t mention some of the other water making ideas. We are feeling quite positive at the moment but just in case, wish us good luck.

March 1 is a holiday in Bulgaria, called Baba Marta. On this day we give each other “martenici”. These are made of white and red wool thread and come in different shapes, most often they are worn as bracelets. With these you wish the person you give it to health during the year. You are supposed to wear them till you see a flying stork and then you need to tie them on the branch of a blossoming tree. I gave everyone on board a “martenica” but I think they are worried about the stork and the tree part of it since we are in the middle of the ocean. Anyway, we all had a bit of fun.

On the race side of things, we have been in the top three for some time, which is a great pay off for the hard work. We also managed to get a record for the fastest 12 hour run-147 nautical miles. Well done team! So proud to be a crew on Qingdao.

Introducing crew member Nicole Roberts.
Nicole is 31 years old and lives and works in London for the government as a policy
maker. She has lived and worked in Guangzhou, China for a year. She was an English teacher there. Nicole decided to circumnavigate the world because she wanted to cross an ocean. Now she has crossed several and is enjoying sailing more with each day.

1. The Skipper's Mum & Dad, Ardleigh Essex 03 March 2008

Go Qingdao, you’re all doing a great job (the scones don’t look bad either).Make sure the Badger is fed regularly,the odd jam sandwich will do. Keep safe and good luck to Marcus and all his fantastic crew.

2. maurice Pearce, Devon 03 March 2008

Hi Badger and The Cubs

I have been thrilled by your hard work, dedication and performance. To have achieved the 12 hour record is fantastic and to be on the tail of “Watty” is thrilling. I hope Chris had a Very Happy 9th Birtrhday. I wish I had been there to taste Oscars’ homebakes. Just hope Teddy and Penguin have settled in and got their sea legs. It’s not long now before I join you. No more broaching please.

God speed

Mole

3. Ian, Qingdao, China 04 March 2008

Teddy - love the blog. all that water over the side sounds really scary, and a touch ironic when you might not even have enough to drink in a day or two! Congratulations to you and all the crew for being in the top 3 (second now i think?) that’s amazing, hope you can keep it up and be FIRST to Hawaii Max sends a big GUSHI to his mammy x

4. Bruce Perkins, Hong Kong 04 March 2008

Aloha Qingdao.....Excellent news on your record for the fastest 12 hour run and great overall position for this leg - keep up the good work! From all on friends on Wizard in Hong Kong.

5. Rory, Hong Kong 04 March 2008

Hey Teddy, I’ve just been reading through your blogs, it sounds incredible! I think it’s amazing what you and the rest of the crew are doing, keep us posted on your progress. Best of luck, Rory

6. Maclaren Family, PARTON 04 March 2008

Good looking scones Oki we will be expecting a 3 course dinner on your return! The podium awaits lady Q. Keep going and good luck, may the wind be with you!

7. 'Auntie' Carol, Cheshire 05 March 2008

Happy (belated) birthday Chris. I was in London on the 29th but your chocolate orange is waiting for you when you get home. Your gran sends her love.

8. Deb&Paul;, London 05 March 2008

Well done Teddy & QD. Loving the blog. Enjoy every moment, those both fun and difficult as this is a chance in a lifetime.... and you only get one (lifetime that is).
Lots of love
xxxxxx

9. Anna Barnes, Midlands 06 March 2008

Neil, sounds like you are having a mad adventure. Logging on everyday with interest to see how you and the crew are doing. Hope you see some sun soon!
Love Anna x

10. neil burke, liverpool 07 March 2008

keep up the hard work to all the quingdao crew checking on you every day good luck
not long now before we all meet up again back in liverpool
see you all soon neil

11. kevin burns, England 11 March 2008

Fantastic Teddy, Trip of a life time, blog is brilliant what an experience, keep up the great work all our love and best wishes. Kev, Ang, Alfie, Ellis and Jack XXXXX

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