Race 5 - Day 11
Crew Diary - Race 5 - Day 11
02 January

Peter Gleave
Peter Gleave
Team Qingdao
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Author: Peter GleaveThe Engineer’s Viewpoint.

For all our readers some of whom are just starting their day and some who are still in the land of sleep (a rare commodity around here). We are all doing well, as well as we can at 30+deg of the heel (boy it makes life difficult) as we make our way North towards Queensland and the AB stopover. We are being well-fed and having water coming out of a tap and regular hot drinks is a real bonus. It amazes me that after only ten or so days of life in a heaving and swaying plastic bathtub, this crew have bound together into a cohesive caring unit.

This has not been a ‘normal’ Qingdao race (leading from the front) and is unlikely to be so as we flog up the Eastern coast of Australia, dodging wind holes and adverse currents. Weather forecasting seems to me to be something between science and black magic but for sure nothing is ever quite what is forecast and the art of racing is to constantly adapt your tactics. The energy and drive which comes from Skipper Chris and First Mate Rhi are inspirational and boundless. However, yachts move relatively slowly and you cannot just transport yourself to a better ‘wind place’, as we found out to our cost earlier in the race. Something the Race Committee will have to reflect on when determining the outcome of Race 5.

From an engineering point of view, I am ‘babysitting’ the below decks world for Jody, who is making his way overland to rejoin us. I so admire his determination not to allow a slightly battered body to interfere with his dream of circumnavigating. If you get to read this Jody, travel safe, heal fast and be assured I am doing my best with Phil, Doeke and the others to look after the mighty Qingdao. However, we have a growing list of jobs to do in AB and I am sure we will have to prioritize as time will be short.

To my wife, family and friends hello, thanks for all your Christmas video, wishes and gifts. My emails back seem to be ‘hanging’ somewhere but be assured I am OK and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Best

PeterG