Race 2 - Day 15
Crew Diary - Race 2, Day 15
18 October
Bit of all sorts.
There is a girl at my local Costa who thinks my decision to have chocolate sprinkles on my cappuccino is awesome. I’m not a prescriptivist, as I believe in the dynamic evolution of the English language, but this is one where I am perplexed. Where do I go from awesome?
Nothing in the Clipper Race presentations, the YouTube videos or the conversation with previous participants can prepare you for the reality of this race. The shock of staring at the raging beauty of the huge waves in the Bay of Biscay bearing down on you. And then feeling the surge of power as the 34-tonne boat accelerates and surfs better than any dude on Fistral Beach. Keep your Porsche.
The storm that became hurricane Lorenzo, was both frightening and exhilarating; hopefully, it fizzles out and does no damage – no news here.
Shortly afterwards, King Neptune blessed us all, looking for all the world like Kevin in a dress, and using his magical powers summoned up a bottle of cold tea of which, we all took our sip before pouring the remaining snorter into the deep blue sea to appease the King. Very moving.
Two other things that have surprised me about this experience. My family think I am the most intolerant person they know. The coaching was “don’t let one idiot ruin your experience, zone them out … and if you can’t see that idiot, it’s you”. I’m worried.
The core of this team is the RTW’s. Phil has that sickening combination of being a funny, lovable guy who can fix anything and never stops grafting. George has that horrible quality of being talented, good looking, and worst of all, young. Jody knows words like manifold and condenser and knows where they are and how to fix them. He’s also as strong as any three of the rest of us. Bertrand is philosopher, musician and sail repairer (Jo only gets a mention if she promises to become an RTW – we’re working on it). Michelle scared me until she slipped me a spare mug of custard that the rest thought was tea. Now she only scares me when we’re getting a balling out for not doing something. Finally, a special mention for Rhiannon. Mum and dad, you should be immensely proud. I’m 131 words over my ration, so apologies to everyone else.
The second thing that surprised me is that it’s a race, a proper race. Read the label ‘The Race of Your Life’. For some reason I thought it was going to be about excitement and adventure; I didn’t expect the absolute focus on winning. Yep, dumb, but I didn’t. Chris and Rhiannon must get asked a hundred times a day how we’re doing.
Apologies for taking so long, but I didn’t have time to make it shorter. Answers on a postcard with the new word to take chocolate sprinkles to new heights. Can’t wait to tell her.
Love to all from all on Qingdao.
Keith