Crew Blog

Life at the front of the fleet

04 November 2007

We’re having a relatively quiet few days on the good ship Qingdao, but we are making steady progress and the great news is that we are maintaining the lead we have held now for some time. As ever, the daily routine is interspersed with the tension of the six-hourly emails that report the position of the fleet. News of gains or losses travels fast through the boat no matter what time of day or night it is received; this is true no more than when guarding a precious lead. In addition, this morning’s excitement was the ubiquitous faint whiff of peppermint udder cream (oh yes) being broken by the smell from Dave’s fantastic baking.

We’re filling our days with boat maintenance, learning about clouds and reading more astronomy, although the current cloudy conditions may thwart our as yet futile attempts to identify the Southern Cross. As you’d expect from the boat with watches “Trick” and “Treat”, we’re refusing to take down the Halloween decorations; maybe after bonfire night.

A huge hello to all of you glued to the race tracker, especially to friends, family and leggers both past and future. No doubt you’re sharing in the highs and lows of our progress, but you can be assured that we are all fighting as a crew for every mile; with Dave’s fruit sponge and custard for supper, how can we possibly fail?

By Chris Jones

1. David Paulsen, Washington, DC 05 November 2007

Glued to the race traker sharing your highs and lows - that pretty much describes it. All our best to Qingdao for fair winds and a true course. We are proud of all of you. Especially our friend Carrie of course.

2. Butty & Jo, Polperro, Cornwall,UK. 05 November 2007

Get a real feeling, Trick or Treat you are all gelling as a team, and it shows on the leader board, it now seems likely to be a very tight race to the cape, Good luck, May the sponge be light and the winds heavy, Well done Qingdao!

3. Susan & Rod, Huddersfield 05 November 2007

Come on Qingdao! You can do it! David: Have you seen any pirates yet? Sue & Rod x

4. Phil and Nicky Hobbs, Exeter 05 November 2007

Thanks for update Chris. We are indeed glued to race viewer - can’t get anything done! Now we see New York has sneaked up on you. Come on Qingdao, you’re doing brilliantly.Get that lead back - you’ve proved you can do it.

5. ada & helen, ilkeston, uk 05 November 2007

Dear dear carlo cant see you and vee in second place have to get your skates on and skin that new york dinghy! good luck but sure you dont need it! we’ll be keeping up to date with web site looks brilliant enjoy evey minute, ada & helen

6. Jules & Jackie, Glasgow 06 November 2007

Sounds like Dave’s great baking is too good. Come on Qingdao-don’t accept 2nd best after such a great lead.Jackie

7. Tatty, HK 06 November 2007

Come on Qingdao - you can’t hand over the lead now!! Trim trim trim! More jam sandwiches for The Badger - that should do it! Tattyx

8. Zoe, London 07 November 2007

Go Qingdao - you’re doing so, so well - keep it up - have developed an unhealthy fascination with the race viewer. See you all in Durban - fingers crossed you will be the first boat in! Zoe

9. Sam, Age 4, Acorn Nursery, Notting Hill, London 08 November 2007

My teacher Tilda has been telling me all about your race and I get my Mummy to check your progress every day. I love hearing about life on the boat. I know you’ve seen two whales. Have you seen any more?

Good luck!

Love from Sam

10. Chaz, Parton 08 November 2007

good luck round the horn Qingdao and keep on going you have done so well now we just need to win and get to the beer first. New from S.Africa is they have restocked for your arrival! Tell Oki that i got him mail but the return bounced back i need to be on his list. God speed and may all your wind be behind you!

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