And, so begins the long upwind bash to Qingdao!

Since yesterday afternoon, conditions have gradually become less favourable for us going east - nothing nasty (yet!), but the wind increasing and backing with a choppier confused sea state has made progress both slower and more uncomfortable. Nasdaq had originally planned to make a long tack north before heading east, but with more fishing boats the closer we came inshore, we felt we were losing too much hard-earned ground by having to dodge around them. So instead we've made some shorter tacks further south where there is less fishing activity and the deeper water seems slightly less lumpy... although some of our greener-looking crew might tell you that is just wishful thinking.

Actually, the crew have adapted well to the conditions - life isn't easy at 40 degrees, with everything bouncing and slamming as we hit waves. Below deck boiling hot in the tropical sun with all the hatches closed because we're taking so much sea over the deck. Despite all of that, there is still talk of holding a parade tomorrow for International Women's Day. I wonder where they'll go?

Cheers, Rob.