My mate Ian's round the world race with Clipper Ventures…...

[Giles]

Qingdao accepts ninth place in Race 5 - 24 November 2011

Following a meeting with his crew, Qingdao skipper, Ian Conchie, has confirmed to the Race Committee he and his team are willing accept ninth place to ensure they arrive in Tauranga with enough time to prepare for the next race to Gold Coast.

The Race Committee offered the Chinese entry the option to accept ninth place in the early hours of Thursday morning (local time), with the team accepting the offer allowing Qingdao to make best speed and course for Tauranga.

Qingdao was forced to divert to Hobart, Tasmania, during the race to New Zealand when an injured crew member needed on shore medical attention. With light winds forecasted over the next 72 hours, Ian and his crew decided this to be the best course of action as they look to make head way to Tauranga.

“Our goal is now to start preparing for the next race and to return to our more competitive position within the fleet and chase the podium we all desire,” reveals skipper, Ian.

“We are heartened by the fact that despite our diversion we managed to make  good gains on the boats in front of us but now with the wind gods being unkind we have to focus on the races ahead of us and regroup, recharge and prepare.

“We thank the Race Committee for their hard work in running the race and in allowing us to make this difficult call,” he continues.

Along with fellow competitors Singapore, Qingdao is expected in Tauranga, New Zealand on Sunday 27 November.

[jimmy]

Sorry I won't be able to make it to see them guys. Hopefully one of us on the forum will meet up with them in the race

[madmonday]

damn this hasn't been a walk in the park

[Giles]

Ian gets to New Zealand at last:

[jimmy]

That's one hell of an emotional photo

[Giles]

He was absolutel fecked.  He's effectively sailed form Cape Town with a 4 day stopover in Oz

[rocket]

man, all the best to him and the crew

[Giles]

Race start day in Tauranga, New Zealand and the weather looks crap…..

[LandoCal126 0]

@Giles:

Race start day in Tauranga, New Zealand and the weather looks crap…..

But the shirt looks perfect!

[Giles]

So, Ian has set off from Australia to Singapore on the next leg.

http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com/index.php/follow/race-viewer/

See you in Singapore Ian…..

[Giles]

Somewhere in NE Australia:

[Giles]

Ian is in first place for the first time…...

http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com/index.php/follow/race-viewer/

[LandoCal126 0]

Good shit Ian! MM and I would still like to climb the mast whenever you arrive in NYC.

[Giles]

I will be seeing Ian in Singapore in 3 weeks time, I will be sure to remind him…..

[aki]

Which day will be the mast climbing for Singapore leg?

[Giles]

Aki, I was going to PM you about that.  I don't know at the moment.  The fleet arrives in on Sat 28th having grouped up at one of the offshore islands.  I'll talk to Ian some time on the Saturday.  Do you have any preferences?

[aki]

I am fine with any day. I do not mind hitting down after the IH meet up on 29th…

[Giles]

Just off to the Marina to welcome Ian in from his latest leg from the Gold Coast in Australia, I have not seen him since July, looking forward to it…..And yes Aki, I will be discussing your mast climbing adventure......

[jacoavlu]

G aren't you going out on the boat sometime?

[Giles]

Not this time, Aki is going to get hauled up the mast though…..