It’s a big “hello” from the south China sea! As a new Legger, I have been waiting patiently to join the Clipper Race and the Zhuhai team since the race started last September. I am one of four new Zhuhai leggers for Leg 6 - joined by Tony (from Yorkshire), Alex (from Australia) and Kent (a Zhuhai Ambassador). We are all excited and keen to play our part in the Clipper Race Adventure.
The current race is a newly planned course and at the time of writing we are into our second day having completed the first sprint section before turning north for the second sprint. The weather is, for me and having just left England, permanently hot both day and night. At times I feel like ‘a wet rag in a Turkish bath’ if you can follow my logic. No complaints though – sailing through different seas, and weather conditions is all part of the adventure. There is colder weather ahead!
We have enjoyed our sailing, everyone is smiling and Wendo (our interim skipper), James (our AQP) and the existing crew have been great in helping the new guys to settle in and build their knowledge and experience. For my part this has included several sail evolution's, trimming sails to get performance, helming (under a fantastic moonlit night) and a number of essential crew duties (yes, including cleaning the heads!)
Despite the near full moon washing out the night sky, we are lucky to be able to see both the Southern Cross (typically a Southern Hemisphere constellation) and the Northern Pole star in the same sky. The night sky will only get better as the moonlight reduces.
We have also been visited by some wildlife! Two whales, some red-footed boobies and some flying fish. All very exciting and reinforces in my mind the importance of people looking after marine ecology and marine life.
Well, having just finished my watch I feel the need for a few hours sleep, so I’ll finish up now with my love and best wishes to Dawn, Shiv, Simon and our wider family and friends. A special mention also to Mrs Walker’s Year 3 Class at Dover Court International School, Singapore, who are following my Clipper Race adventure.