Race 10 - Day 26
Crew Diary - Race 10 Day 26
22 April
As I near the end if my Clipper Race adventure I'm minded to reminisce on the experience as a whole. The adventure started in 2020 with my Level 1 Training in 2021, Level 2 and Level 3 in 2022, and Level 4 in 2023, so suffice to say it's been a long time in the making. I was fortunate enough to be able to ‘front load’ my trip with an extra week in Australia, visiting Sydney, Gladstone and the Great Barrier Reef before joining Our Isles and Oceans in Airlie Beach in January. Visiting the reef certainly set the bar high for experiences and it was wonderful to see it in such great health.
After the cyclone induced delay, we then set off on the first of my major legs, up through the Philippines and then the South China Sea to Ha Long Bay. In this leg we endured sweltering heat, broken engines, ‘friendly fishermen’ of many varieties and incredible squalls. However, we also saw amazing sights such as the Milky Way, glorious sunrises and sunsets, and most importantly built a great new team.
Once in Ha Long Bay, the cultural element kicked in and I was able to learn more about Vietnam and its long history. A trip to Hanoi saw a few of us visit the famous ‘Train Street’, where the rail line is literally lined with cafes, as well as other sites such as the Hanoi Hilton and Ho Chi Min's Mausoleum. Additional trips took us to the incredible Ninj-Binh area with walking, cycling and sampan rides.
A short race of just four days then saw us arrive in Zhuhai, for many a first visit to China. This was another eye opener. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but the reality was amazing: friendly residents making us feel welcome, using the AliPay App to pay for everything from a KFC to cycle rides, and failing miserably to decipher menus in restaurants. For a few there were also trips to Hong Kong and Macau where the alternative westernised China could be seen and enjoyed.
Leg 6 then warmed up with the 10-day race to Qingdao, the sailing capital of China, and birthplace of the Clipper 70ss. Another great city to visit, with highlights including the amazing light display on dozens of the waterfront skyscrapers (no pun intended). The stay here was short and sweet, and mostly taken up with maintenance and prep for the major leg crossing - the North Pacific.
As we near the end of Race 10 we have sailed over 5000 miles and have been going for 28 days so far. It's fair to say that I believe we had it lucky (so far) with high pressure systems being the predominant feature. It's been cold, and at times wet, but there have been many days of Champagne sailing, alone for days on end aside from the many wandering albatross that frequently visit. It's always good to keep your eyes out if the boat. Last night we saw a ‘moonbow,’ similar to a rainbow, but created by moonlight, and this morning we were impressed to see a circular rainbow encompassing the sun.
So with 500 miles to Seattle my adventure is coming to an end. Sir Robin stated we would all come back changed people, and I would attest to that. When you've lived life on the edge, in such a confined space working as a team, you cannot help but change. I've learned a lot about myself during night time watch meditations, and hope that the ‘new me’ will survive the transition back to regular life. I'd like to finish up by thanking my wife and family for their support throughout this challenge, and also to all the organisations that have helped my sailing over the years, Warspite Sea Scout group, Chipstead SC, and Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club among them.