Crew Blog

Gong Xi Fa Cai

07 February 2008

Upwind sailing is indeed far more exciting and challenging. Not only does it create the full sense of sea adventure, it also test or brings out the balancing skills of each crew as we beat through the force of wind.  It’s common to see someone suddenly dashing from port to starboard (and vice versa) just to keep their balance and then landed on the opposite end with a bang, on someone, with shrieks of laughter or in style. Of course, everyone prefers to do in style and should we fail, there’s always a chance to practise it again and again. Graham’s nightmare is to crash butt naked while showering through the thin vinyl zippered curtain which is all that separates the heads from the rest of the boat. We are still waiting for that stunt to be done; with cameras on standby.

Unfortunately for me, upwind sailing also means difficulty in getting a good sleep each time I’m off watch.  Since I’m in one of the forward bunks, I get a minimum of half an hour to maximum two hours sleep as I’m constantly bouncing on my bunk! Sometimes up to 2 to 3 inches high and when I finally do fall asleep, my alarm goes off, telling me to get ready for the next watch. I do however doze off immediately when I get very, very tired but it takes at least two rounds of unclaimed sleeping/resting period before this happens. My lack of sleep contributes to low energy to my dismay and I get tired easily when I’m on watch especially when there’s head sail change or grinding work. Anyhow, one must just carry on and make the best out of it. It’s manageable as long as there’s support from crew mates and the will to strive harder when the going gets tough.

“Gong Xi Fa Cai” to all leggers, friends and family members. Day 12 at sea is also first day of the year of the rat in the Chinese calendar.  My Chinese new year celebration is definitely extraordinary this year; wet and wild!!  I was on watch from 0200 – 0600 hours and the sea was rough. With the apparent wind of 26 knots and gusting to as high as 31 knots, helming was challenging.  Inthy commented that I look as though I’m boxing when I’m helming! I was using my whole body weight to hold on the steering due to the strong force of wind. Thanks to Master Mark Preedy, I picked up a few tips from him later today and now, I no longer look like a boxer on helm, I’m doing ‘tai chi’ on helm.

When I woke up at about 0930 hours for my next watch, I was greeted by Lewis with an ‘ang pow’.  Being the only married Chinese on board, he generously gave out red packets containing cash to all crew members including Mark. Chinese new year goodies such as ‘bak-kwa’ was brought out to be shared with all. Thanks again to my mum for her home-made cheese straws; we all enjoyed it! 

Michelle Wong
ASEAN Clipper Crew (Malaysia)