Race 9 - Day 21
Crew Diary - Race 9 Day 21: Qingdao to Seattle
13 April

Philippa O’Sullivan
Philippa O’Sullivan
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Wow. Just wow. I am still slightly in shock about what the fleet has been through in the last few days. We have just sailed through a hurricane and 'phenomenal' weather conditions (apparently an official phrase that the weather bods use for a sea state that is over 15 metres. I didn't think this was very much until I found out that a double-decker bus is 4.5 metres high, so basically we had waves that were the height of four double-decker buses!). We were once again very British when documenting this in the log book – we thought it was 'very rough'...apparently not!

The last 12 hours or so have been what I call the 'clear up operation', getting the boat ship shape again. I think everyone is emotionally and physically drained, but there is definitely a feeling of achievement on the GREAT Britain boat. Each support watch covers the galley in sleeping people in their dry suits – whether it's on sails, on the benches in the saloon or even just on the floor. People rotating off deck to escape the cold also add to our makeshift dormitory. There are wet items of clothing everywhere – gloves, socks, hats, pants! It feels what I imagine living in a cave feels like – wet, dripping with water and cold. I can't tell if my items of clothing are wet or just damp as I seem to permanently have wet hands so who knows. I have been meticulous with keeping my kit in dry bags, but the dry bags seem to be wet on the inside – HOW?! The boat has had a good clean down, fresh food is being prepared again, and we have all taken a deep breath. The g-string (storm jib) has come down and hopefully has been put to bed, never to see 2018 again...

As with each leg, this race throws something at me every time that I am not expecting. I guess that is the adventure and excitement about this whole thing. I still pinch myself that I am taking part in this race and am currently in the middle of the North Pacific - who in their right mind would do this?! The seascape has been mind blowing – we really are in Mother Nature's territory here, we are playing by her rules and we must abide by them. During our hurricane (it will forever be known as the hurricane now), I looked out at the sea in daylight and it was incredible and terrifying at the same time. I wanted to bottle up that vision and share it with everyone I know, but then at the same time I don't want anyone to experience the sheer terror that I have felt over the last few days! With terror comes elation and I do feel so proud and honoured to be sharing this experience with the GREAT Britain crew. I am sure lots of people felt the same panic that I have, but everyone has got on with it, been on deck on time for each watch, although I am sure no-one wanted to go up there. I am particularly full of admiration for the helmers – being wiped out while on the wheel and being washed to the wheel on the other side is not pleasant. The sea state and waves have been so enormous that controlling this boat must be incredibly hard work.

I also want to make a big shout out for the ladies on this boat. Obviously the boys have been super, but I don't think you would find many women who would go through what we have been through. Luise and Alanna have been doing it for the girls on the helm – it must have taken such guts to look at those waves straight in the face while holding onto the wheel, full of pride for them. Beanie is always a little ray of sunshine, helping with everything and anything, with a smile on her face. I still have no idea how she can stay on deck for so long without crying with cold – I have been such a wimp in that area, my hands can only last an hour at the most! Tessa has been making sure that everyone is well looked after down below. Who runs the world? Girls.

I just hope now that we have proved ourselves to the elements and Mother Nature will be kind to us, powering us quickly and in the right direction so that we can get to Seattle as soon as possible and, of course, safely. We have now gone past the 2,000 nautical mile mark which is another great milestone. That shower will never feel so good and that beer/champagne/wine/gin will not taste sweeter!

Toodle pip xxx

PS. Being in double first (eleventh – so good they gave it to us twice) pales into significance now after our experiences, but we are getting the boat back up to speed again as well!