Race 15 - Day 3
Crew Diary - Race 15 Day 3
26 July

Hello family, supporters and followers. It’s now Tuesday of this 15th and final race to the finish of this year’s edition of the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race. The racing start was really exciting with different tactics being deployed by different yachts. It was fast and furious around the marks, yachts heading in from all directions. In the end it was unclear as to who’s tactics paid off and whose didn’t as we all ended up drifting within yards of each other (all with flapping sails) as the wind died – it then became a drifting race – who could drift the fastest! At least we were drifting in the right direction.

The wind then arrived, so did very big seas and we had to sail into them both. The green eyed monster appeared on the boat and most of the crew suffered, including myself. Despite the seasickness we changed headsails a few times, reefed and generally worked our stylish sea boots off making sure the boat could make the best headway it possibly could in the trying conditions. Due to the Race Start at 1800 and our watch system I ended up with just three hours sleep in a 24 hour period, not good for me. Being on Mother Watch (with longer break periods) has helped me to recharge my batteries a little.

The guys up on deck just told me we’ve passed St Kilda again, this time at a distance, so we’re soon to be passing the Outer Hebrides. We are making progress. Su and I have made a chart, put up on the bulkhead, that shows where we are along our route – for me, with the way I’m feeling, the end can’t come quick enough. I am though, looking forward to seeing some stunning Scottish coastline.

Best wishes from all the crew aboard Visit Sanya, China.