We’re on the eve of Race 2. A long test from Brest to Rio. The crew are busily prepping the boat, winches being serviced, kit being stowed, galley being cleaned, hull being cleaned amongst a host of other items we need done today.
Odd to think it’s only been a week since we said farewell to the thronged crowds, family and friends at St Katherine’s Dock and along the Thames. So much seems to have happened, though recounting the race doesn’t seem required here. From what I have heard friends, family and fellow crew are becoming obsessed with the race viewer!
We’re pretty pleased with how the first race panned out. We had some technical problems, especially with the tack line misfiring and dropping our spinnaker near race start that saw us drop towards the back of the field after a strong start. Gareth wanted a top 5 finish so we comfortably achieved that despite that issue. We’ve heard stories of many other boats facing similar issues so we can’t really complain.
The crew are gelling well together and it seems our competitive sides are coming out. We’re determined to do well and from chatting to other crews since getting here we are one of the boats that is expected to place well.
Team Qingdao - Clipper Race 2013/14 
Best of luck and Godspeed for Race 2 – your USA supporters
@teamqingdao 4th !!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go-now lets hit the gate and score points Qingdao Data Updated: 09-16 17:00 now lets hit the gate