So, decision made. I'm staying. I've got to finish this. It is the race of my life after all. In other news I had possibly one of the best nights of my life last night at The Lennon Bar. Fab Chinese food, rugby and an amazing live band. (Ride. Sally. Ride was a classic) and yes Team Totton there was even dancing on tables - I couldn't help myself! The halyard dance was a classic. Top night with all the crews. WiFi here is a bit pants but have managed to Skype ...

DaNang to Qingdao Week1 Sea sickness claimed me for 3 days. It seemed longer and in 3 days my life moved in to survival mode. I've never pleaded with God before but I did in those dark hours, equally to keep me safe and then just to end it all quickly. A break in the weather helped me recover fortunately, or maybe it was God but I'm glad it's over. It's been warm and humid still and ranged from rough to dead calm. We have been mid fleet for a while but I suspe...

It's the last whole day tomorrow before we sail (Friday). Danang had been amazing. Last minute maintenance jobs will keep us busy right up to the off. I've even met the ambassador to Hanoi and yes, he was spoiling us! I've been on an emotional visit to a school for children affected by the legacy of Agent Orange from the Vietnam war. They were as happy and funny as the guys at home and I loved being with them. Vietnam has a very turbulent history and it's a cri...

What a welcome! Drummers, flower garlands and a cheering crowd plus that all important first beer. It was quite an emotional experience and so good to see the Garmin crew who arrived just ahead of us. Unsurprisingly I've checked into a hotel and gone all out with a suite! Oh my God it is so good! That first shower was just amazing and I have a bed that would sleep 3! We have been for a crew meal tonight which was delicious - traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The...

Week 1 Well I write the start of this blog after 7 days at sea, this is tough stuff. After an emotional farewell to Airlie Beach I spent the first 2 days being seasick, once this had abated it was time for race start Le Mans style outside the Great Barrier Reef , and we were off. A good start has kept us in the lead and we are still here a week in. Our big rivals LMax and DLD continue to chase us down so there is no rest from thinking about racing. We continue n...