Crew Blog

Surfing to Durban

08 November 2007

Qingdao's crew battle the South Atlantic swell

Surfing to Durban

Currently bezzing it along around 13 knots. The waves have really begun to pick up now and the 5m swell is way bigger than anything any of us have seen before. You would think that it would be quite scary, but the Lady Qing is loving it. What will she think of the Southern Ocean? Helming in this weather is pretty exciting. The sun is out and when you hit a wave at speed you get a huge surge of power as you surf down the other side. I’m sure we are putting on a good show for the Albatross’.

The other night however was a different story. In the gusty winds it felt a bit out of control when steering and a prompt spinnaker drop was called for in the middle of the night to save our bacon. It looked quite ropey for the bowman, sat out on the end of the pole, although I am sure the phosphorescence, white water and beautiful stars kept him entertained….. while we did all the work on deck!

Still no sign of the fabled iceberg reportedly in our area, though we are all keeping our eyes peeled. We are also still keeping our eyes peeled for the Southern Cross but, despite finally working out how to use the stargazer, we are yet to have positive confirmation- it sure is a wilely one.

The call of jam roly poly awaits, so its time for a little audience participation. Spot the Matrix character in the picture of us battling the swell in the South Atlantic and send your answers, along with your own look alikes, to Zoe at Clipper.

1. karen, ripon 08 November 2007

JAM ROLY POLY?!! David is supposed to be LOSING Weight on this trip - not gaining!! And I am sure he is the instigator! I bought shorts two sizes smaller for him in Australia so you’d better eat his share..
Go Qingdao Go - you are all doing great!! Karen xxx

2. maurice Pearce, Devon 08 November 2007

This has been rivetting, addictive viewing and I can’t wait to join you all-if only to do the washing up. Tell Marcus that DEFRA has authorised a badger cull so hopefully that should get you moving. Message to Dave & Oscar- The season is fantastic,the sloe gin is flowing,the quarry testing-34grms. No4s needed. Just wish you were here to enjoy a Devon Day.Next year maybe. God speed. Mole

3. David Paulsen, Washington, DC 09 November 2007

That’s easy, its Mr. Smith sitting to the helmsman’s left. Dead ringer.

Sounds like Everybody’s Gone Surf’n - Surfing USA (only faster I hope).

Latest report shows Qingdao is the fastest boat in the fleet for the last 12 hours - gaining on the leaders!! Go baby go! Turn on those afterburners and lead the way to the cape.

All my best to Carrie and her crew.

4. Rob Fleming, (smoggy) Hong Kong 09 November 2007

Gary - have been watching with interest especially as the “Lady” Qing seemed to be front of the pack for a while. You may be interested to hear that Shevchenko has fired in a few goals for the blues - then again, even a broken watch is right twice a day!! All the best - Rob

5. Butty & Jo, Polperro, Cornwall,UK. 09 November 2007

Really getting excited about the prospect of a podium place for the Qingdao,keep working on that speed, lets see you first round the cape! Great stuff crew, not sure about the guy with the beard though!

6. The Badgers Mum & Dad, Ardleigh Essex 09 November 2007

Come on Qingdao,Durban is in sight and you’re lookin good ! Not sure about the face-fur Marcus,but then you are ‘The Badger’. We’re all rooting for you and your ‘trick & treaters’, so easy on the jam roly-poly guys, travel light !!.

7. Jim & Jane, Cheltenham 09 November 2007

Hi Linda,
Great to see your picture - you look very confident. We are both loving following your progress, but I am sure that now you are looking forward to the grand reunion.
Well done Darling, love J&J;

8. Maclaren Family, PARTON 09 November 2007

COME ON QINGDAO not long to go till a nice cool beer but remember first to the bar always gets the cold one. You have done so well just keep it up and be first to the line. The bowman must be wet by now, just make sure Oscar does not shrink! good luck may all your wind be behind you.

9. Dave T, Gosport 09 November 2007

Cholers come on old boy, nearly there. One final push and you’ll catch those cheeky fellows who so rudely stole the lead from you. Ditch all the gash you can (I suggest the extra facial hair would be a good start). Charge!!!!!!!!!

10. Susan & Rod, Huddersfield 09 November 2007

Come on you guys! Karen and I will be serenading you tomorrow night - Carpenters here we come! Sue x

11. Alan Smith, Leeds 09 November 2007

Guys,

You’re gonna hit Cape Town......! Spin that wheel

Al.

12. Maclaren Family, PARTON 10 November 2007

Come on Qingdao you need some wind, Beans for every meal! and best keep Oscar at the Bow. Beer’s on ice with a nice little Chenin Blanc for the more refined. It is fantastic this end watching your every move. keep it up and enjoy. We look foreward to all the stories when you land. Chaz

13. Anouska, Derby UK 10 November 2007

come on Qingdao less than 1000 miles to go now - you are so close to being able to get a decents nights sleep! We will be following the last fews days with baited breath - you can still win this! keep up the hard work! lots of love Anouska & Dan xxx

14. Susan & Karen, Huddersfield 10 November 2007

Its only just begun: Wait a minute Mr. Postman: Calling occupants from interplanetary craft
We are watching you!!! Superstar: Ticket to Ride: Only Yesterday can you hear us serenading you guys! We have only only just begun, the rest to come. Where are you Quingdao we have not seen you since 12 noon. Sue and Karen, The Joiners xx

15. Jen, Neil, Cammy and Kirsty, Glasgow 11 November 2007

Hello Uncle Christian. Glad to hear you’re having roly poly. It always was a favourite of yours. Love from Kirsty (age 6).

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