We've had a very busy morning today on Nasdaq: our first kite hoist just after sunrise was aborted when the Code 2(medium weight spinnaker) wine-glassed itself before opening fully. That was immediately replaced by the Code 3 (heavyweight), which flew happily for about 20 minutes until a fishing fleet appeared across our path and we had to switch back to Yankee 1 to skirt around it.
Having caught us up (again!) Dare To Lead had issues with the same fleet, so Skipper Dale and I had a brief chat and discussed options through the fishermen. After picking our way through the nets and boats we reverted to our (now repacked) Code 2 which is speeding us towards Qingdao.
Having made up some serious mileage on the little group ahead of us (Sanya Serenity Coast, Visit Seattle, Liverpool 2018, Qingdao) yesterday, we lost it all overnight when we got stuck in a wind hole close inshore. Elation and frustration in equal measure then, but we still have 600+ nm to go, and we're still pushing hard to make up positions.
There was noticeably more wildlife around Taiwan - yesterday we saw a flock of 100+ gannet-like birds, and a group of dolphins. Also, something larger, possibly pilot whales? We saw Japan this morning too: the island Uotsuri Shima is less than 100 nm north east of Taiwan.
Whilst in Sanya, we got a victualing tip from HotelPlanner.com - a magic ingredient that would enliven any meal and the crew just couldn't get enough of ... hmmm, that sounds interesting. What could it be? Sauerkraut. Was that some kind of joke guys? We tried it, and it just turns any meal into exactly the same meal, but with sauerkraut. Here on Nasdaq, we've actually developed a liking for 'Yes!' brand sauce, as recommended by our Sanya attache Cathy. It's the perfect blend of soy, chili and MSG. BTW Cap'n Lance (Liverpool 2018) how are those gallon jars of cocktail onions going?
Cheers, Rob