Race 3 - Day 24
Skipper Report
24 November

So, I know positive thinking is key to doing well in these things, but honestly - honestly - this absolutely sucks. I think we all mentally and emotionally prepared ourselves to be nearing the finish right now - 290 miles has never felt so far. On the plus side, it's gorgeous out here, shorts and t-shirt weather; bright blue sky, and wonderfully clear water - you can really see how clear when the boat is surrounded by dolphins like it was about an hour ago,- and at night - wow ... those stars ... there are no words.

Unfortunately, yesterday we lost quite a bit of ground to Qingdao (nice work Chris). They came shooting past us last night and we just couldn't make our boat as fast as theirs - that dragon must have a bit of extra joker fire in its belly or something. The guys behind are creeping up too - the feeling of being snuck up on and overtaken is pretty awful, after lots of hard work and difficult tactical decisions - I can only begin to think how Sanya Serenity Coast (hey Wendo) must have felt yesterday after they absolutely smashed the entire race. Looks like it's going to be a nail biting finish. People at home have told me that watching the tracker is more stressful than being on the water - I'm not so sure... Maybe we should swap roles next leg? Nah only kidding...

So hopefully only one more blog after this and we will be sipping beer and eating off the barbie (is that how you spell it…?)

Sailing with style - Nik