Race 7 - Day 7
Crew Diary - Race 7 - Day 7
01 March

Bernine Pryor
Bernine Pryor
Team Seattle
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Happy St. David's Day from the East China Sea.

Day 7 of an 8 to 10 day race!! We're somewhere up near the top of the Taiwan east coast after rounding a few Japanese islands which we never even got to see! The boat is beating her way south making sure we all know about it! At the moment we are slamming up and down and being thrown about all over the place, especially down below. This is fine if you're not suffering from any injury, but a few of us have sustained injuries that are making life very difficult right now. I fell on the last race hurting my ribs and unfortunately fell again on the same spot a couple of days ago. It's nothing serious but makes getting into a bunk and using the heads rather difficult.

That being said, this race has given us better sailing conditions and so far, not so many wind holes. While Race 6 was mentally very hard due to the heat and other issues, Race 7 is physically very hard. We are also down four crew who for various reasons are not with us, they are all however greatly missed. I was also unsure whether to do Race 7, but am very glad I did. My sailing knowledge has increased and with a watch of only six people (minus one who's on mother duty), we are having to do so much more which all helps with the learning process.

I am only doing one leg in this epic round the world race but have thoroughly enjoyed my time aboard Seattle. I will most definitely miss my crew mates especially my wonderful watch The Seahawks (Alec, Marcus, Gregorio, Mel and Alex - not forgetting Adele and Jane) - thanks for all the help, advice and encouragement. I will also miss the wonderful cuisine, our luxury bunks (on this race I had a lower bunk all to myself), amazing star filled nights, wide open seas filled with the most wonderful sunrises and sunsets, the sound of dolphins coming up for air as they swim alongside, the sight of whales in the distance and even those dreaded flying fish!

I won't, however, be missing those beans in all shape and sizes, the heads (oh to be able to flush a toilet and not have to pump) and not being able to shower! I have also enjoyed the digital detox that being on board allowed me to have, that said I'm looking forward to catching up as soon as we arrive!!

The oceans I have crossed have been wonderful expanses of water, with sadly too much rubbish in them. I have personally seen numerous plastic bottles, a plastic coffee lid, a flip flop, numerous buoys and fenders, a fridge and many unidentified plastic objects. Please all think about that next plastic object you have in your hand and where it will end up! We all need to take more responsibility for our rubbish and how we dispose of it.

On a personal note, a big thank you to all those who have supported me with this adventure and my 3 month sabbatical. If all goes well I'll be homeward bound by the end of the week, Race 7 and coronavirus allowing. I'll be back in time for the boys’ birthdays, so I'll be baking cakes for you both! Also I can wish my daughter good luck with her new job.

Good luck to those of you crossing the North Pacific Ocean, I'll be following you all the way!