Hello Qingers!
Happy wonderful Wednesday!
Well, this downwind race is finally what is says on the tin. After way too much upwind maxing out at over 40kts wind speed, the wind has now swung round and we’re making good progress surfing down wind. After having 40kts downwind a day or so later, I can confirm, upwind sucks...
The new leggers who joined us in Seattle have found their feet and gone are the days of tired bodies with heads in buckets. With the help of round the worlders, and three great watch leaders, they’re all becoming more comfortable with downwind sailing and at least three of them have already joined the 20 club: sailing over 20 knots.
The sun has made a very welcome appearance, and I can’t help feeling it won't be long until I’m complaining about the heat... This morning we were joined by a very curious whale, effortlessly keeping up with us at 10+ knots, surfacing sometimes just a couple metres from the boat.
Other than this there isn’t much to report, and life is as normal as it can be when you’re sailing offshore (really quite abnormal).
Love to those at home,
Henry, Phil and the dragon riders