Feeling The Boat
Ignoring the fact that Qingdao is now further south than us, today was a great day! Woke up after 4.5 hours sleep to the banging of heavy weather outside. Since 8pm last night, we had been waiting for stormy weather and it finally arrived at 8am. Last night was a dead calm, which actually makes for very difficult helming. Races are won or lost based on how well crews handle light winds. Qingdao chose a different course than us, and didn’t run into last night’s calm, but we’re also hoping that means they might not have today’s strong winds.
But back to today, I finally felt the boat! I was helming during our 12pm watch, winds were about 20knots with 6’-9’ (or maybe larger) waves and after struggling to keep a straight course due to the large waves pushing the boat around, it all finally gelled. For weeks, my crew mates had been telling me to just feel the boat and anticipate how waves were going to move it, but I didn’t quite get it until today. I was able to helm a straight (enough) course without using the compass or a cloud in the sky, it finally became second nature (like driving a car). Such a good feeling! I was able to watch the waves, watch the bow, and feel how to handle the boat to keep it on course. I was smiling ear to ear and thought to myself even if we come in 2nd, I’m still happy. This moment is worth it.
Insider secret, Qingdao only lets their skipper, first mate and a few helmsman steer the boat). On Visit Sanya, everyone helps with everything and it’s a team effort to race as strong as we can. Its our whole team vs, their best players.
Right now It’s drizzling outside and I’m getting ready for my 4hr nap before the midnight watch. Hoping it’s still windy (but not rainy) when I wake up. We’re in stealth mode for 24hrs so Qingdao won’t know our position until 6am. We’re doing everything we can to make sure we’re back on top by then. Leg 1 has really been incredible. Loving this experience! Big hugs to everyone at home!
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