Race 5 - Day 8
Crew Diary - Race 5 Day 8
09 January

Spectacular Sunrise

We are sailing at 44 degrees south, 133 degrees east, about 500nm from Tasmania

It has been days of dark grey but this morning the sun burst through the clouds over the horizon. We were on the 3am-7am watch duty and witnessed the darkness being dramatically expelled. First the full moon was put ablaze in a small clear patch of sky. Then the colouring of the water started, silver mercury with simmering gold leaf swathes. The mighty wondering Albatross came to inspect. Steadily weaving its way through the rolling waves. The light catching its brilliant white wings as it banked and turned with the tip of its 2m wingspan touching the surface just slightly. It was spectacular. The crew watched in silence as this masterful waterscape painting was made in our presence - only the sound of water against Zhuhai’s hull was audible. What a gift to be alive and be here to witness a most beautiful new day unfolding. An excellent reason to get up at 2:30am and get a front row seat! By 7am everything was lit up and more birds came.

The ocean so far from land has no smell that I can detect. So the inviting smell of fresh baked bread coming from the galley below especially got our attention. The “mothers” on duty had already prepared a hearty breakfast.

The next watch crew came on deck and I slowly navigated my tired body down the companionway all while curiously knowing that my soul just expanded.