Race 9 - Day 3
Crew Diary - Race 9 day 3
15 March

They say all races are different. Whilst that is true, to a RTWer, it seems like this race has more unfamiliarity to deal with than the previous races in the Clipper 2023-24 Race. It’s our first experience with a 3-watch system where we rotate through on Watch, off Watch, or standby; with the additional twist that half the standby watch rests while the other half completes below-deck duties. This is a learning curve for the current crew as well as the new leggers who, by the way, are fitting in really nicely.

The other noticeable differences are the beating upwind and constant tacking for better wind angles and to avoid the many fishing boats and buoys. We’re three days into this race and it's been close hauled upwind sailing all the way, which is tough. We experienced a bit of upwind sailing on some of the earlier legs, but I can’t remember it continuing for days. Apparently, the forecast says that we have a couple more days of this, then a calmer day, before the beating returns for pretty much the rest of the race to Qingdao.

“What is this whinge fest?”, I hear you say. I’ll try and describe the scene: The boat violently bounces up and down and swings side to side pretty much all of the time. This is purgatory for any watch or role. Helming a straight course is tricky and tiring; our cockpit crew are constantly busy with the frequent tacks I mentioned; and we on the foredeck are thrown around like rag dolls when we venture forward of the mast. Bumps and bruises are plenty, though no serious injuries so far. Getting decent sleep and keeping dry is nigh impossible, and almost half the crew is battling the effects of the green monster. Our sales, sheets, guard rails, and netting are showing massive wear and tear, and we have a broken winch. Below deck is like a war zone; clothes, shoes, sleeping bags, food items, and bags are strewn everywhere. Attempts to tidy up are futile. But we’re in a race that we all signed up for and we are all committed to.

Yesterday was an especially challenging day. The Yankee 3, hanked on and secured to the deck in preparation for a headsail change, had been tossed around so much it broke through the guard wire and netting on both sides of the bow. It took three of us, and our AQP, fighting the boat movement and waves surging over the deck, to haul it back on the boat. Looking back, it seems quite scary, particularly as damage to the stanchions and netting left huge gaps. The helm and cockpit crew did a great job of keeping the boat as steady as possible. I’m especially grateful to my fellow fore deckers Sacha and Kaj. We were constantly looking out for each other, and the task was completed with everyone back to safety. Unfortunately, the sail suffered serious damage and had to be lowered back into the sail locker. It will need repairs when we’re back in the tranquility of Qingdao harbour.

Go team Bekezela! No challenge is too formidable.

Brian Wilkinson