Race 9 - Day 14
Crew Diary - Qingdao, China to Seattle, USA
03 April
Hello Clipper Telemed+ supporters; friends, family and everybody who enjoys reading our blogs :)
At lunchtime today we held a memorial service for Sarah; as we heard that she was buried at sea today. I'm sure you all will have seen the news reports and statement from Clipper; I can't imagine what you are all thinking right now but I know from my personal email that there is a mixture of emotions out there; urging us to take care and sail safe, to ensure we pass on our thoughts and support to all on IchorCoal and to ensure we look out for each other.
I‘ve always felt that the crew of Clipper
Telemed+ looked out for each other; lending gear and equipment and ensuring
that people are reminded to clip on. However we keep the lessons learnt in mind
and remain extra vigilant at this time.
A few days before Sarah went overboard; I lost my footing on the low side due
to a large wave, the next wave saw me go
out of the guard rails and head first into the water – the boat heaved to and
within a minute I felt a hand pull me back onboard – my tether had held and i
was safe within a minute. Scary stuff and I thank the crew for the rescue and
support ever since. Right now I wish we were all in Seattle and could give big
hugs to the IchorCoal team; but no
such luck – the hardest leg so far – we have approx. another two weeks to get
there.
Despite everything that has happened; the skipper is still pushing hard for a
podium place and the crew are responding. We still have some people that are
recovering from sickness or flu and are looking after them to get them back to
health as soon as possible. This round the world gig is tougher than I imagined
at this stage of proceedings and Im digging deep for inner reserves and taking
easch watch as it comes. I must also mention the lunch we had today – it lifted
everybodys spirits enormously – chicken burger with bacon, cheese n coleslaw on
a freshly baked bun with fries – thanks Sean.
Shout outs!
To Nige, Sarah and Gracie – certainly wishing i was with you guys; enjoying homemade pizza and a beer rather than freezing my ass off in the pacific; look forward to our next meeting, which cant come soon enough – Ryan :) Nige - you are still a slacker !
To Maggie – miss you soooo much; cant wait for Seattle - love you very much – Tom
Happy Birthday to my brother David – love from Justin ( hi to his mum too !) xx
Hi to Mr and Mrs Law – see you in Seattle – please bring more chutney n marmalade n other treats – thanks from the crew xx
Linda says hi to the Austin posse and sends love to her family and friends
Hi to family and friends – cant wait to see you in Seattle - Neil
Belated happy birthday to Gina – April 2nd is your day; Jason says thanks for the rice too. Love Han xx
Love to all my family and friends; please dont worry – we are making good progress to Seattle and I'll keep in touch. Missing you all.
Elaine
xx