Race 7 - Day 23
Crew Diary - Race 7 Day 23: Whitsundays to Sanya
22 February

So here we are, in the final hours of the first race of Leg 5, 25 days at sea, hopefully arriving tomorrow, although we still have over 160nm to go (correct at time of print) there is no sight of land, so still a little hard to believe we are so close.

I still remember my feelings before starting this race. I had been so excited yet apprehensive for such a long time. When I arrived in Airlie Beach I suddenly became nervous – could I actually do this? Was I going to be good enough at sailing? Would I get on with everyone? Would I settle into life with other people, considering I have lived alone for some years? But then came race start and everything was ok. I just wanted to start, to get going on this ocean race adventure, all my questions answered straight away that yes, everything was going to be just fine.

It has, at times, been a long three, almost four, weeks, but at other times it has felt like the time has flown by. There is no comprehension of the day, just the next watch. Some are preferable to others, but you take the rough with the smooth.

The heat along the way has been stifling, however, my tan is coming along very nicely! Sleep was laboured during the real heat of the leg, but we are getting cooler every day and sleep comes more easily and is much more refreshing.

There are some real characters on the team and there has certainly been no shortage of conversation on Port Watch. At meal times and watch changeovers we see the Starboard Watch and so get to spend some time with them too. Getting to know one another, learning of our motivations for taking part in this race, our pasts, presents and future aspirations, and then all the silly chit chat that inevitably goes on in group situations. Along with the conversation comes the respect for quiet time. There has certainly been a few opportunities for reflecting, the night sky always helps, with the odd wish upon a shooting star too. Did I expect to change and have I and if so how?? I still feel like me though, and I am still just as bossy, a few would tell you, so don't be worrying too much!

As we head into our night time watches after dinner, talk is turning to how well we can perform over night to get to Sanya as quickly as possible tomorrow, and what we can do to speed the deep clean up so we can get to the pub for our well deserved ice cold beers!

This has been an amazing experience, but with much more to come!

Maria

PS Happy belated birthday to Lorna for yesterday. Hope you had a lovely day. I will definitely be in touch in the next few days to catch up. Lots of love xx