This is a photo taken in Oban a couple of weeks back, when we went to meet with the crew of the Qingdao on their penultimate stop before the end of their Round The World Race. The Race officially finished yesterday, and the winners were Ha Long Bay, by one single point. So the final leg from Oban to Portsmouth was of utmost importance!
The Qingdao placed 6th overall, with 5 podium finishes, which was an excellent result, given the changeouts of skippers they had over the first 4 legs of the race.
We'll miss looking at the Race Viewer every day. Even though our daughter Mhairi was only on the yacht for the first two legs, between Portsmouth and Cape Town, we followed the race closely for the remaining 6 legs, as did she.
Congratulations to all who sailed on the 11 Clipper Yachts, but most especially those who stuck it out for 11 hard, unforgettable months. They will be wondering right now what they plan to do with the rest of their lives, following what has probably been the experience of a lifetime. Their nearest and dearest will be full of admiration, love, relief and respect, but they too will be wondering how their loved ones will fit back into life on land.
I can only imagine what an emotional weekend it's been in Portsmouth as all the sailors say good-bye to each other, and as they depart Portsmouth, each of them heading back to their previous lives and loves.
What a wonderful capture of a boat we have followed for so long! You can be so proud of Mhairi for participating! I am ever so happy to as it gave us a chance to meet, albeit very brief.
A wonder narrative of this great experience about all those who participated in this tough race.
Wow a real achievement for all who participated.. You girl did fantastic as well.. Will e hard for those that did the whole race will really be 'at a loose ends..
What a great adventure they have all had and taking part makes it something they can dine out on for many many years to come. Well done to them all! Nice to see the ship there.
Well done Quingdao!
I was still a new 365 member when you were posting from South Africa. So impressed by your daughter’s sailing expertise. Also meeting Diana. Did Mhairi also meet the boat in Portsmouth?
You describe it all very well….it must be an achievement you are proud of the rest of your life. Lifelong friends made too. Well done all of them & your Mhairi too. I still have to look up how to spell the name of your daughter even though our newest granddaughter has it for her middle name!
Wow, what an amazing story and experience for all who took part.
I don't know if there's a connection, but we had a 2 day boat trip on Ha Long Bay. It was magical, but tragically some people were killed in one of the boats while we were on the water. We weren't aware of it until our son called from the UK and asked if we were OK!
You have really captured so eloquently the challenging transition the crew will now face and you've also captured the yacht in that "last look" position- looking back and remembering truly a trip of a lifetime! Congratulations to all for a sail well done!
@illinilass No, she didn't, as she lives in Norway. She opted to come to Oban so that she could see us, but also see the boat crew as they approached their final destination. She would have loved to do both though!
@happypat I love the name Mhairi, but it causes spelling problems and pronunciation problems all over! Some spell it without the 'h' and some with an 'e' on the end. Some pronounce it Vairi, others don't. We chose to pronounce it with an 'm' sound. I had a friend at school in Braemar named Mhairi and I always loved the name. Dad always calls Mhairi 'Highland Mary' as that's effectively what it is!
Oh yes, it is a very difficult moment in their lives. I wish everyone to find their way. Let them treat this race as a very strong foundation for building a future.
July 29th, 2024
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A wonder narrative of this great experience about all those who participated in this tough race.
Great for Mhairi to have this experience!
I was still a new 365 member when you were posting from South Africa. So impressed by your daughter’s sailing expertise. Also meeting Diana. Did Mhairi also meet the boat in Portsmouth?
I don't know if there's a connection, but we had a 2 day boat trip on Ha Long Bay. It was magical, but tragically some people were killed in one of the boats while we were on the water. We weren't aware of it until our son called from the UK and asked if we were OK!