36 36 S has been our must southern latitude on this leg from Brazil to South Africa.

We have experienced highly variable conditions and weather systems. We have had winds up to 40 knots, with waves crashing onto the deck from the bow to freak sideways waves that wash us around the cockpit.

I have had to helm the boat in 7 metres swells and take my hands away from the wheel as we round up on the waves and allow the boat to de-power. There have been multitudes of headsail changes in the middle of the night, in pitch black conditions and crew on the bow
swamped by waves.

We have all worked non-stop through 4-6 hour watches
heaving sails around, putting in reefs and hanging onto the boat as it pitches and rolls through 60 degrees. This is just a normal day onboard Qingdao and we have to cope with whatever conditions are thrown at us.

I have had to step far outside my comfort zone and face these big winds and waves face on. Every day I feel mentally and physically challenged.
Every day I learn more, experience new and rapidly changing conditions.

I have had the added pressure of being a watch leader. My responsibility is to keep the crew and boat safe whilst I am on watch. When the skipper is asleep I am the one who is responsible. I am responsible for
monitoring our performance and hitting those targets speeds. Its a position that I have felt has challenged me hard. I am trying to fill this role to the best of my ability despite my limited sailing experience and leadership experience.

We have gone past the remote Tristan De Cuhna islands, and now starting to head north towards Cape Town. We hope to be there in four days, and are working to our best ability to move from 7th place to 5th before we
cross the finish line.

This race has been hard.
Lois - Qingdao Clipper