Crew Blog

Not now, Kato

30 November 2007

Qingdao gets a taste of what's to come in the Southern Ocean

We put the clocks forward two hours today. Dawn at 1am was just getting too confusing, as was eating dinner in the middle of the night. So we’re back onto Durban time and on our way to Fremantle. (I know - you work it out.)

Mothers today surpassed themselves at lunch. Last night an albatross “made its way” on board and we weren’t ones to miss an opportunity. In case you’re wondering – plum sauce and buttered new potatoes. A real treat and good to get the first spit roast in early.

The heavy weather which greeted and challenged us soon after leaving Durban has now passed for the moment, leaving us fair winds (in the right direction no less) and an opportunity to dry out. Smiling faces have abounded today and a two-hour dog watch at lunch (where both Breast and Leg Watches were on deck) was a great opportunity to catch up, to make sure we still weren’t wearing someone else’s kit, and to enjoy the sailing. Wildlife continues to entertain us as does the process of finding nicknames for the crew members who joined the boat in South Africa. One new member, Steve Pang, currently has five names and we’re still going. It now takes an age to call on his assistance though so we’ll have to drop a few. Life on board continues as normal and the new faces have helped cancel out some of the too-oft-repeated jokes, and given an opportunity to repeat some others.

And finally, huge congratulations to Graeme Calvert, joining the crew in Australia, and his wife on the birth of their new baby boy, Benjamin. We are raising a glass to you tonight!

1. Andrew Moore, Centre of the world Manchester 30 November 2007

Martin K and crew

Martin looks a bit windy out there from the photos, keep up the good work. It shouldn’t make any difference about the clocks changing for Martin-- he cant tell the time, also i have been round to yours and supped all your Magners. Joking aside i hope all is well and i look forward to seeing you and the crew leading the race Cheers.

2. Dave, Bolton Center of the Universe 30 November 2007

Martin and crew of the Qingdao,
Been watching the race on the race viewer, looks like you picked up a couple of places well done keep up the good work.
Sounds like poor Steve Pang is getting picked on, please allow me to join in, what about “Steve Many Names”!!
Don’t worry Steve it’s just water off a ducks back, don’t tell the others though they will have you spit roasted and eaten at dawn with plum sauce!!
Moorey wasn’t telling lies, he has took all your ale, I noticed today when I went round a filled my trailer with your logs for my log burner.

Full steam ahead Qingdao and may the force be with you.

Best wishes Dave and Gang.

3. David Paulsen, Washington, DC 01 December 2007

Love the new watch names. Dare I ask which one Carrie is on??? I could guess.... Anyway, hang on tight Carrie and crew - we’ve already seen enough excitement on the other boats. May the Southern Cross take you and Lady Qing swiftly and safely to Fremantle.

4. Graham Calvert, Chester 01 December 2007

Thanks for the good wishes guys we will indeed raise a glass or three at some point. Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but ancient mariners used to get spooked by an injured albatross and used to nurse them back to health so they would not die on the boat thereby bringing them bad luck. Having roasted one I just hope Neptune was looking the other way during dinner.

5. MAUREEN KIFF, Pembrokeshire 01 December 2007

7am on 1st December and just checked in to find the Lady Q lying third Brilliant sailing Marcus and crew Can hardly wait for 12 noon report Good luck from a wet and windy Wales

6. kay, Also centre of the world MAnchester 01 December 2007

Hi Guys, You are having a blast out there. I have to confess, for obvious maternal reasons, to having been slightly more preoccupied with events in general and therefore on Liverpool over the last few days. I have however also kept a delighted eye on how you are all faring. I love the current photo. So envious! Keep up the pace. I think that yellow pennat could be ours. What luxury the food! Keep having a great time. You’re such a cool bunch. Kay

7. pat shovlin, big cornelius 01 December 2007

mart k & crew

we always say if you try hard enough ,eventually you will get what you wanted!
well by all reports ,you will be smiling mart ,quote- big waves,proper stuff .
trying to write somthing witty ,but to many dodgy things ryme with third .
so take care mate get those charts working for you and the crew and we will all be smilling !

see you soon

pat/tina /joe

oh bought some moor magners

8. Andy Moore, Centre of the world Manchester 01 December 2007

Go Knowlsey Go Knowlsey Go Knowlsey

Keep up the big push, before you know it you will be in the lead, in fact martin get out and push the boat, get them size 18 feet working and push them forward and tell them about when you were in the SDS (Special Dinghy Squad). Oh and tell Dave that Bolton might be the centre of the universe (not) he still cant spell

All the best mate
Andy, Cath, Daniel & Isabelle

9. JT, Helsby Cheshire 01 December 2007

Qingdao crew and Martin K. Well done great sailing, keep up the good work, glued to the 6 hourly reports. Looking forward to the next report saying Qingdao is in 1st place.
All the best.
JT, Bex Andrew & Georgia

10. David Paulsen, Washington, DC 01 December 2007

The race is really on now, Lady Q is running second by a hair and is the fastest boat in the fleet over the last 24! Looks like you have excellent position on the other boats. Hang on tight Carrie!!

11. mike, yorkshire 02 December 2007

Hi Dave B and all the crew
Still glued. Great going moving into 2nd spot, keep pushing.
Had trouble convincing mum and dad that was you in the celebration shot in Durban Dave.
You must have lost a bit.Don’t worry you can borrow a pair of my trouser’s.(SLIM)
Well it seems your having fun so keep up the good work.
How about a few more photo’s for all the guy’s back home.
Well i reckon your gonna do it this time and move up that leader board . (This is better than Coronation Street ) Go Guys Go.
Yours
Staying Glued. MIKE

12. Dave, K2 Mental Health Ward Bolton Royal 02 December 2007

Martin and Crew of Qingdao
Great sailing over the passed couple of days, second place and closing on the leader. Go Qingdao Go!
Keep up the good work and best wishes aplenty.

Dave, Lynn and boys.

13. doggy, 02 December 2007

come on mate your doing well, o, i forgot gleaves got you job, and your gouing on a different shift, lol

14. Belinda Burgess, home team 02 December 2007

Charlie, Boss Marcus and Crew,
What a race you are having. You are obviously in good hands and have a very able crew! Would love to see a video if there is time/technology. We are riding each wave. Sleeps a bit distrubed but expect its worse for you!
143 Belinda, Olivia, Georgia, Imogen and Madeleine.

15. Foz , Aus and Smurf, 03 December 2007

Martin Knowles

Everybody on the 5th floor wants to know where our tin of christmas toffees are ?

p.s.
We’ve found the pinkie book !!!!!!!!!

16. Ian Bebbs, Nottingham 04 December 2007

Martin K and the Qingdao Crew, Hi Mate couldnt belive it when I heard off JT keep up the good work puts a whole new meaning of “High Side left”!
Ian,Sam Becky and Fox Bebbs

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