Crew Blog

Ni hao from Qingdao

18 September 2007

Well the waiting is finally over. The anxiety and nerves of the countdown to the off were put aside as each of us concentrated on the individual tasks that will help make us a well oiled racing team. Then the canon went off.

The start was exciting to say the least. Liverpool stalled on a tack around the LYC mark with Qingdao, New York and a few others piling up around them. We could have almost walked across 5 boats. The fleet soon fell into a tight line out of the Mersey, along the channel buoys and out into open water. That’s where the baptism of fire really began. Lots of wind, waves, banging and crashing. A few minor problems including parted trycing line and a snapped shackle on the preventor.

Morale is high and medical issues low – some falls and the expected range of sea sickness with the attendant question “Why am I doing this?” leaking from the lips of those most severely affected.

The next morning the sun came up and in the words of the badger “It’s a beautiful thing” Looking back to the blustery start we all agreed that in retrospect it was what we needed to shake out the cobwebs and get us off to a flying start.

We’re beginning to settle into our watch rhythm and eagerly await each position report to see how we measure up to the other boats, but we all realise there is a long way to go. First over the line on the first race would be great, but there is obviously a very long way to go. The current competition onboard is between Slam watch and Glam watch for the highest boat speed surfing down the waves and the winners change frequently.

1. David Paulsen, Washington, DC 18 September 2007

Excellent progress so far - looks like Qingdao and her crew are getting into a rhythm and gaining ground on the leaders. All my best to Carrie and her crewmates!

2. Maurice Pearce, Devon 18 September 2007

Well Done!!!!!!!! Crewmates I’m watching every move you make and thrilled by your response. Look for the whites of their eyes but travel safe. God speed. Mole.

3. Khairul Anwar, Singapore 18 September 2007

Lots of luck to the guys on Qingdao! Had fun when I was sailing with you guys on C1 training! It’s a beautiful thing!

Khai

4. julian, Glasgow 18 September 2007

A great night’s work to move up so many places! Keep it going Christian & crew.

Julian

5. Marlene & Chuck Cash, Winchester, Virginia 18 September 2007

Keep up the good work Quingdao. As Carrie Durham’s partents we are thrilled and impressed with the progress. All our best to Carrie and her crewmates. Travel safe !!

6. The Lamports, Ely Cambridgeshire 18 September 2007

Go Bridget!!!! Following the race avidly, so pleased you are doing so well keep it up everyone!

7. Trevor Phillips, London 18 September 2007

Ni Hao to all onboard. Wishing you all a fantastic race and a big thank you to those that welcomed us onboard last Saturday and listened to our tales onboard Qingers in the last race. I will be following your progress with interest so keep the blogs coming…
Race well, stay safe and enjoy! Trevor

8. xinmin yan, Beijing, China 18 September 2007

Well Done, Qingdao! I am watching every move you make and feel really proud of what you have achieved so far. Best luck to you all and wish everyone safe on board. Xinmin

9. Rosy McKinley, London 18 September 2007

Go, go Quingdao! So exciting to look each day and to see where you are. I hope Oscar is not eating all the food...strength and honour- hold the line! Rosy

10. Paul & Caterina, Ilkeston 18 September 2007

Keep up the good work and all the best. We will be watching you all the way.

11. kay, warm bed UK 19 September 2007

Zao.
Not far to go now to La Rochelle. Loved the blog, sounds like you are having fun although I’m sure it’s been a harsh initiation. Following your path at too regular intervals for my sanity and so proud to be part of the team.

Enjoy France.
Kay

12. Badgers Mum, Ardleigh Essex 19 September 2007

Come on Qingdao you’re the best, keep eating the cakes - they’re’ beautiful things’! Good luck to youall. We’ll be supporting you all the way. Why ‘Badger’ ??

13. SHAUN MCLAUGHLIN, UK 19 September 2007

Marcus

Mate, the ducks name is MYLES not MATY!! Expect him to do MYLES and MYLES whilst aboard the good ship QINGDAO. Good luck and make sure you win.....

14. Butty & Jo, Polperro, Cornwall,UK. 19 September 2007

Badger eh! I hate to think! Good luck to you Marcus and all your crew, will be watching eagerly on the race viewer for Qingdao to come surging through!

15. Russ Hogan, Cirencester Gloucestershire UK 19 September 2007

Marcus

Go on, go for it! Will be with you all, all the way and make sure you feed MYLES!! Good luck, stay safe but ENJOY!!

16. Dave Williams, Oop North 20 September 2007

I can think of a few animal comparisons but ‘badger’ wasn’t one of them. Better pull your finger out or it’s going to be like ‘Cool Runnings 2’ with the Jamaicans beating you - remember feel the rythm, feel the rhyme! Best of Aberdonian luck to you and the crew.

Dave Williams

17. Chelsea, Frankfurt 20 September 2007

Great work Qingdao, sounds like an eventful leg and a close finish! Enjoy a well-earned break in France and best of luck with your first ocean crossing. Special wishes to Christian x

18. Maurice Pearce, Devon 20 September 2007

Well done Guys & Gals You are doing just GREAT. I just wish I could be there to enjoy “A Cheeky Half” in La Rochele I can’t wait to join you all again. I hope you are in good shape.
God speed
Mole

19. jonathan ramm, suffolk uk 21 September 2007

well done qingdao you done us all proud, sounds like it was nip and tuck at the end and some good light airs sailing enjoy your well earned r & r in La Rochele and have a fast, safe transat to brazil, the race viewer is addictive and log on for updates every 6 hrs, keep the blog going to cos we all like those insights to life on board. wish i was there have a cheeky half for me
love to all
Jonathan x

20. Ena Harding, Carmarthenshire Wales 22 September 2007

A warm Welsh wish for success to all you brave folks on board and especially to Linda - I will be with you all the way. Keep the spirits moving! Ena

21. Rich, Virgina 22 September 2007

Best wishes and fair winds to the all the Qingdao adventurers challenging the seas on the long crossing ahead. Special cheers to Carrie from your Virgina supporters…

22. ria, antwerp 23 September 2007

a very happy birthday Christian, enjoy your sailing trip around the world, very best wishes.

23. Rob VAN GENECHTEN, Antwerp Belgium 23 September 2007

To the Qingdao team, especially to Christian L. You already did well in the first leg. Good position to take on the long leg to Salvador. Wish you lots of luck in the race and above all, a safe crossing to Brazil. Belgium will be checking on your ocean trip as many times as possible. Take care. Greets. Ria, Rob and Maarten.

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