Crew Blog

Growlers and Bergy Bits

17 June 2008

Qingdao races out of Sydney, Nova Scotia

Firstly I would like to thank Nova Scotia for a great stopover and all the hospitality shown to the crew members and thanks also to Greenfield Elementary for our wonderful presents.

Having just been woken (for the third time today), my body knew it was time for food; however I think I was expecting breakfast but was greeted with an evening meal! We are a pleasant bunch on Lady Qing as we greet each other six times (two watches) a day with morning.

The trip between Halifax and Sydney was a reminder of how cold and windy it can be on board. A couple of months of sun and ‘holiday’ type sailing have softened us up. With extra gloves purchased we were ready to go. However yesterday we were greeted with sunshine and light winds for our departure. It might not be currently windy but it is certainly cold; this season’s fashion is all about layering - as many layers as you can wear while still able to move on deck.

Leaving the natural harbour of Sydney, we looked on as nine boats engaged in a tacking duel. An amazing sight to be seen. Luckily on Qingdao this is what we did, as the Badger orchestrated a fantastic start and we were able to watch the chaos unfold behind us.

So as we currently drift about on the pond, for the last big crossing of this race, I am typing away while on radar watch: not only am I looking out for our fellow Clipper sailors but for other blobs. Yes we are in iceberg territory, further north than where the Titanic sank so there is a real posbility of seeing one. Personally I will feel disappointed if we don’t and slightly scared if we do.

We are now on the way home, and with the watches back to Glam and Slam many are thinking about friends and family, and about what the next stage of life will bring, all the while trying to enjoy every last moment onboard.

I would like to wish my dad a very Happy 60th Birthday

Emma

1. Emma's Dad, Rochdale 20 June 2008

Thanks Emma keep the team going

2. Liz Pearce, Devon 20 June 2008

Great postion to be in! - keep going Penguin and all on Qingdao

Keep safe

Billie (Mrs Mole!)

3. The Badger's Mum & Dad, Ardleigh,Essex 20 June 2008

Currently first place, That’s the way to do it!,come on Lady Qing and her fantastic crew we need a full set of Pennants for the Lady so that she can ‘strut her stuff’ in Liverpool !!! Good luck all and keep safe,’that’s the Badger!!!’

4. Derren, Colchester UK 20 June 2008

Excellant racing so far Lady Qing. Keep it up for the race home.

If the Badger does a Kate Winslett on the bow please post a photo on the site..

5. Holly, Halifax, Nova Scotia 21 June 2008

G’day Qingdao .. G’day Mates ... Thank you Skipper “Marcus” for having me on your yacht! I’s an experience of a lifetime and one I will never ever forget!! I’m just getting my feet planted now after my sail with you from Halifax to Sydney, NS. I want to tell you all, you are a “Rocking group!!” Uhuh!! Nice to see your sailing position now, it’s definitely a reflection of the entire crew aboard!! Go Crew Go! Emma, just have a little sleep and dream of those icebergs, that’s as close as I want you all to get! Happy Birthday Emma’s Dad!! A special g’day to my “sailing watcher” Chris, without whom, I know, I would have been lost at sea. As a total novice, winning my sailing adventure, I couldn’t have been in better hands. Thank you Chris!! Okay Oscar, get down off that mast, I can see you from here, lol, watch him Jenna, lol If you ever want to watch a cook “dance” then you really must get an opportunity to watch Mo cook .. wow can he groove while cooking up the best tasting vittles at sea possible!! Right Gary!! I wish you calm seas and sunny skies as you continue your journey around the world! It’s takes a special group of people to do that, and you are all that, very special. I’d love to hear from you all after your return ... it’d be so great to hear from you and show you my pics of my trip. Thank you all once again for one of the best and possibly the greatest adventure of my life. Thank you to FX101 too for making this possible and Heather too! Until your journey is over and I hear from you ... stay safe my friends!! You all ROCK!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Holly
(LadyEye)

6. Tony Martin, Halifax 22 June 2008

Just a quick note to thank all of the Qingdao family for such a fabulous trip to Sydney last week. I am still smiling at the exhilarating experience and cannot suitably thank the wonderful team for all of the support and encouragement throughout our journey. You are truly an exceptional group and I feel privaleged to spend a couple of days in your company. Your unique teamwork and the steady leadership of Marcus is obviously paying off as you lead the drive to Cork...a suitable time for that illusive first win.

The very best of luck with the remainder of your odyssey. Also, I trust you have enjoyed
your Summer Solistace and hopefully had the opportunity to salute (in liquid form) your new found friends in Cape Breton.

Take care and safe jouney,

Tony

7. Jean, North Yorkshire 22 June 2008

We have been watching the race right from the beginning and have enjoyed the race even though David got off in Freemantle. Our best wishes go to the team, good luck and well done, we may yet see Qingdao on the podium. Jean & Richard Brown

8. Janet Presant-Collins, Castlethorpe 23 June 2008

Great to see you’re leading the pack Lady Q. Your rightful place I feel and well earned. All the best for the last lap. Stay safe. Janet P-C

9. The Badger's Mum & Dad, Ardleigh Essex 24 June 2008

Great stuff Marcus and your fantastic crew,we’re looking for a first place pennant to complete the set so that the Lady Qing can ‘strutt her stuff’ at Liverpool. Keep up the good work and keep safe,’that’s the Badger’ Marvellous!!!!!

10. megan kiff, 25 June 2008

yay¬!!!!!!! your first!!!! i hope you finish first!!!!!!!! im doing this at school and my teacher is looking at your boat on the computer!!! but shees leaving soon :’[

11. MAUREEN KIFF, Pembrokeshire 26 June 2008

Keep it up Qingdao.Cant get up fast enough in the mornings to see the latest standings.You deserve a first Thank you all for a fantastic ten months We landlubbers have shared every second of sailing with you and the beautiful Lady Q See you all in Liverpool Keep safe God bless P.S. Pembs is going to seem very dull for you Ant !

12. Holly, Halifax, Nova Scotia 27 June 2008

G’dday Mates ........ It’s Foggy Friday here in my part of Nova Scotia after two beautiful hot calm days.. .. I’ve been keeping a “LadyEye” on You and Wow, what awesome racing!!Love reading about your intensity, as I can feel it here, and the excitement too, and hey I do know what it’s like to cheer, (hockey mom of 20 yrs) so I am cheering, big time!!
I hope you all can feel it!! Go Qingdao Go!! Have a great finish!!!!!!!!!!

Cheering 4 U
xoxoxoxoxooxox
Holly

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