Qingdao scoops second place in Race 10

Crossing the Finish Line at 19:26:11 UTC, Qingdao has proudly claimed another podium finish, bringing its total up to three top-3 spots so far. The team will no doubt be celebrating on board after completing the epic 5,580nm race across the North Pacific in 26 days, 18 hours, 10 minutes and 54 seconds.

Image: Qingdao crosses the North Pacific

From the start of Race 10, Qingdao jumped up and down the standings, navigating the tricky winds and fishing fleets before reaching the North Pacific proper. Once the fleet had passed Japan, Qingdao opted to take the most southerly route of the fleet, deciding to miss the Scoring Gate, but accelerating to 2nd place.

The team then fought closely with Perseverance and Zhuhai in a tight pack, with just hundreds of miles separating them. As they headed into the Ocean Sprint, it opted to use Stealth Mode, as many teams did, leaving Race Viewer fans guessing where on the race standings each team was going to re-appear. Qingdao managed to keep its advantage over the other boats when it re-emerged from 48 hours later, holding off Zhuhai and UNICEF, both hot on its heels.

Image: Brendan Wilde on the helm

At points during the final stages of the race, Qingdao kept the pressure on race leaders Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam, closing the gap of their lead down to just 40-miles. However, Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam was able to duck into the stronger breeze ahead whilst Qingdao ended up being stuck in light winds.

UNICEF and Zhuhai trailed closely; however, it was Qingdao that managed to sneak into better breeze, giving the team a boost to the finish whilst the chasing pack became wind-holed, floating in fickle winds and losing distance.

As the team sailed over the line, Skipper Philip Quinn reported: “We have finished Race 10 to Seattle. That was a race with everything. We pushed hard all the way, and, in the end, it paid off. Henry, the crew and I are so happy to get 2nd position. We are both very proud of the way the crew handled everything that Mother Nature threw at them in getting here. While it may not seem like it as we finish, we were pushed hard all the way by the other amazing crews behind. A big hats off to Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam for a commanding performance from the start. Bell Harbor here we come.”

Qingdao Major International Sailing Events (Festivals) Organizing Committee Office congratulated their team on the result: “Congratulations on your successful completion of the North Pacific Challenge from Qingdao to Seattle and winning a podium place once again. This brings you one more step closer to circumnavigation and adds new highlight to this edition! On this occasion, the Qingdao Organizing Committee would like to extend our warmest congratulations to all crew members on board the Qingdao yacht!

Image: Qingdao in the North Pacific

“Led by Skipper Philip Quinn, the whole team worked together with sincerity and made right decisions, perfectly embodying the spirit of fearlessness and courage in the long-distance ocean navigation, showcasing the charm and image of Qingdao as a Sailing City! We are so proud of your outstanding performance and once again express our warmest congratulations to all of you. Meanwhile, we sincerely wish the Qingdao yacht a smooth and brilliant journey in the coming races!”

Qingdao is now making its way through the stunning Puget Sound to Bell Harbor Marina in Seattle, ready to sample everything that the city has to offer.

With nine places still at play, follow the latest on the Race Viewer.