Race 9 - Day 2
Crew Diary - The First Ever and WTC Logistics Leading It
11 March

Joerg Schamuhn
Joerg Schamuhn
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Yes and we have started Subic Bay the third edition, Leg 6, Race 9, Subic to Subic due to the serious development of the coronavirus. Sound like a tough game for Skippers, AQPs and RTW crew as they have seen the straight of Lucon already two times but a wise decision by Mark and Sir Robin considering the risks and all the moving parts.

Before the race we had days of preparation, just the usual stuff at a stopover but for WTC Logistics a serious sail repair on Code 3. The team around Susie and Laurance did a great job fixing it with numerous team members in just three days. Now on race day we are ready. We headed out at 1003 and started with the required training for the new joiners. The symbiosis of experienced crew, training driven Skipper and APQ allowed a fast progress for the new crew members of which some had not sailed since July last year. The weather was awesome, 12kts of wind, no sea state and sunshine. But the sun quote Rich, “had enough of the burning Subic sun now.”

It was hot, I mean hot and we were throwing sails up and down, reefing sails and the MOB drills required to be refreshed. Refreshed for sailing and not to cool down body temperature or fight dehydration. At 1330 LT lunch was served. Hmm, as a new vittler I have to admit that the portions were cuisine style small and the combo of leftovers from Leg 5 were maybe not an ideal combination. Apples, we have plenty of apples to fill the holes. Finally we pulled the Kite up and learned about a new recovery procedure that the new joiners did. It was a good deal faster, more efficient and safer. At this moment in time the race got postponed by two hours because two boats had to go back to the Marina for a quick pit stop. On WTC Logistics, we had the choice of the day, wooling sauna down below packing the Kite or up on deck in the burning sun putting reefs in and out. I am sure the amount of liquid that left the body was almost the same. It was hot, I mean hot hot.

And as we waited for the race to start a mystique moment came up, one of a kind that we love so much as we are going to sea. In the east over Lucon, a blood red moon climbed up the sky, slowly, majestic, touching feelings. It made me speechless and thankful being out here. The sea sparkled in an orange strip of light and black silhouettes of Clipper yachts moved up and down. This was orchestrated by the deep and burbling noise of the engine and the noise of the bow piercing the water. Magical moment.

Roll call by Rich and back to reality. It was night and he had to organize the first ever Le Mans start at night in the history of Clipper Race. He and all the other skippers did it very well. Unforgettable for us all here on board will be the simulation of the horn on time signals by Rich. “10 minutes coming up in 15 seconds, 3, 2, 1 ‘Muuuuhuuuuu”

We were bursting laughing. Man, a pregnant cow could not do it better. “4 minutes 3,2,1 Muhuhuuuuuuu,”1 minute now “MuuuhMuuuhHuuuh” Start 3,2,1 ‘“Muhuuu Muhuu, Muhuu.”

On the last one no time to laugh. We had to pull sails up and power up the boat. It went well and we charged through the night at good speed in a respectable position. After the first and up to now one and only Le Mans start at night, we now eat, sleep, sail. Trim, trim, trim under the glowing sun.

Black Betty here and now!