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Qingdao to Seattle
Week 1
So here we are back at sea. We are on day 2 and so far light airs have meant a smooth ride. I am however keeping on with the sea sickness tablets as we are expecting building winds tonight. The calm winds and sea state meant for a pretty tame LeMans style start but at least Lmax behaved herself. We had a good start but got snagged by fishing nets last night, so much so that Peter had to dive over the side this morning to cut us free. He was in a wet suit but the water is freezing!
The send off from Qingdao was beautiful, drummers and fireworks filled the air with sound and colour. I can't quite believe I'm here doing this final bit. I am pretty keen to get to Seattle asap, so calm seas and good winds would be welcome, however I don't expect the current weather to last. We have 20 metre waves to look forward to and lots of water over the deck. I have stocked up on hats, gloves and mid layers so hopefully I will be warm , if only in my sleeping bag. Life has slipped in to its usual routine onboard which is good as the time passes relatively quickly as the watches roll over. We all love this boat and the experience but all long to be ashore. Qingdao seems like a dream already. Sails up and down keep us busy and warm. Ocean racing is not all action and can be quite boring at times, sat on thd rail for hours, so it's good to be busy.
Everyone is in good spirits and looking foward to America. 270 miles done. 5800 to go.
The end of week 1 has brought our first storm. Cold, very wet and windy with gusts of 50knts. I held on tight I can tell you and we all know that this was a baby. Now dried out and my dry suit has had an outing for the first time which I may just live in from now on. Getting dressed and undressed is challenging to say the least. However we are having a bit of respite with some lighter winds and sometimes no wind. I never thought the Pacific would be like this. This whole journey is full of surprises. Thoughts are turning to leaving the boat for me and a few others. I've discovered so much about sailing and myself on this trip. I really am a cliché, it's forced me to look deep within to the very heart of me and made me make choices about the person I want to be. I also absolutely know the value of my friends and family and my team mates. We will always have this shared experience. It will be seared on our souls and bragging rights will be forever ours. I can't tell you how much this journey has changed me, you will have to judge that. I do feel I have changed. Feeling strong, resilient and independent today. Onwards to week 2.
Happy Easter! Thinking of you at home. Chocolate bunnies have made an appearance here onboard so happy faces all round xx
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