Leg 5 - Race 7 - Day 1
Today is the day we go. Woke up early and got a taxi down to the boat. It was pouring with rain. Can't believe I am going to sail across the equator to Vietnam then onto China. The trip to Vietnam will take about 30 days. Then a few days off there then the sail to China will take around 25 days. We are spending a few days in Beijing before flying home on 25th March in time for Easter.
Faced timed the children to say our last good buys. Sadly Jodie was at work.

Went for breakfast and said last goodbyes to other crew members on the other boats

Went down to the boat and unpacked. Luckily I have my own bunk start board side first one lower bunk, my favourite place plus there's a fan right above me. Excellent it's going to be an awesome trip.

Left at 12.00 for our parade of sail. Had helicopters fly over head taking photos and video footage.
We went into our shift pattern at 15.00
Which meant I was on standby shift which includes making dinner. The boat was a bit bumpy and because I was down below I was sea sick!
Managed to get through my shift. Then had four hours off at 7pm couldn't wait to lye down. Sophie one of the round the world crew was so good to me making sure I got into my bunk ok, gave me a sickness tablet with sick bag and tied up my lee cloth ( stops you falling out the bunk ) managed to go straight to sleep and wasn't sick anymore.
Had to get up at 11pm and was on shift till 3pm then had 8 hours sleep till 11am.
Was surprised when I went up on deck how light it was at 11pm the moon and stars were so bright.
There wasn't a lot to do as we were motoring for 120 miles and race start is Tuesday at 15.30, just getting used to being on the water in the dark.