Still playing catch up.

Life on board these last few days has been good although very hot, we have found some strong winds to fly our kites, gaining ground on the rest of the fleet and we are all really pleased we've been able to catch up even though we set off 20 hours late, these next 24 hours are going to be the final push to see if we can gain a few more miles before the end of race 8a. We can then turn our engine on to cross the Sulu Sea along with the rest of the fleet.

Unfortunately, flying kites on Mission Performance doesn't always go smoothly as a few days ago Bruce was flying quite happily until his clew ripped off, So I spent the next few days fixing him by hand (as our sewing machine is broken) and telling the new guys that they had better get some practice stitching as I don't think this will be the last time, however, today we finally hoisted him and so far so good!

Just over a week ago we crossed the Equator, it was decided by Kate, Claire and Matt that I should be Queen Neptuna... well I got to wear a gown and a crown! and also chuck flour and a mixture of bean stew, coffee and pancake mix over the pollywogs! Matt took advantage and threw most of the mixture on them, I'd say they got away with it lightly as the supply of flying fish on deck has been completely...err,  nothing, so no 'kiss the fish' then!

The start of next race from Singapore to Qingdao I gather has been put back a few days and I've heard it is going to be the one of the toughest; slamming upwind for 20 days moving into freezing temperatures. Just hoping it will go smoothly and nothing bad will happen!