On arrival to the boat this morning I found Gold Coast covered in snow and ice and unforecasted gusty conditions. Not the best way to start Race 9 of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to San-Francisco.
After an intense departure ceremony and copious dealings with Chinese officials we slipped lines and made our way to the start line which none of the fleet could locate due to thick fog.
After a good decision from the race committee our start has been postponed and the start line moved to a secret location.
At 1700 this evening the fog was still so thick you could not make out a yacht 200 yards ahead, temperatures were only slightly above zero, and the wind remained gusty so the race start has again been postponed until tomorrow, giving the crew a good opportunity to settle in and get acclimatised to the conditions before the start.
Bring on San-Fransisco
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Published by Richard Hewson
Richard Hewson is a Tasmania-based ships captain, marine surveyor, and experienced sailor with a lifelong connection to the sea. With experience in project management and vessel commissioning, he has operated and raced a wide range of vessels—from dinghies and Maxi yachts to tankers, icebreakers and research vessels.
Richard has competed in major offshore events including the Sydney to Hobart, Fastnet, Middle Sea, and Transatlantic races including the Mini Transat. In 2012, he skippered the winning yacht in the Clipper Round the World Race. He has sailed to every continent and explored all corners of the world from Antarctica to south pacific atols and recently completed a three-year family voyage from the Netherlands to Tasmania.
Richard holds a Master Class 1 (unrestricted), RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, Engineering (1200kw) and commercial diving certifications, and is an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor. He is also affiliated with the Australasian Institutes of Marine Surveyors and is passionate about all things that float.
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