Apollo dips to the horizon, a shimmer and disappears. I descend the mast and reach the deck just as the golden chariot rushes beneath the earth to prepare for a new dawn.

Neptune arrived as promised on 1st February. Crossing the equator about 21:00 local time on 31/1/20 (11:00 in UK) it was no time for the Trial of the Pollywogs. So at a watch change over in light winds, the Pollywogs assembled before Neptune and the Court of His Loyal Shellbacks. While many fine offerings were made in interpretive dance, poems, limericks and recitations, the guilty were duly punished, absolved of their heinous crimes against the Sea (including peeing in it!) and anointed Shellbacks.

Undulating silk smooth waters have given way to waves, cresting and occasionally spattered by rain. Squalls erupting from low flying clouds bring fresh winds, exciting helming with unpredictable wind shifts and occasionally a light shower. More often a torrent. Mischievously these last long enough to go down, grab your shampoo, get on deck and lathered up but not quite long enough for a rinse. Regardless, these are welcome relief for days of relentless heat and sunshine. Coming on deck is a relief. 

Two sleeps until Christmas. Yes it is Christmas Eve, but on a watch system it is a bit dfferent. I will be on the “Nice” watch and will be in bed asleep at midnight. The “Naughty” watch will be up when on deck so whether they get any presents or just some coal we will find out. No TV repeats here and no one brought a Christmas movie with them. Plenty of Christmas music and albums – it’s like being at the shops but less expensive! My wife may tell me otherwise later. Today I’ve been checking the access to the boat.

SOUTHERN OCEAN BLOG 4: 07.12.19

24 hours since the last blog, and the Ocean bit back! Fabulous electric light show around us for my watch. It arrived locally for the next one and there was no gap between thunder and lightning. No strike on the boat thankfully, but there has been a big wind shift, we heeled hard over so a few lee-cloths were tested and half an hour of hard work all around. No harm done.

SOUTHERN OCEAN BLOG 3: 28.11.19

During this part of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, our Marlow ambassador on board 'Imagine your Korea' will be sharing weekly mini blogs during the epic Southern Ocean Race from Cape Town to Fremantle.

In the last 2 weeks we have had three updates from James which give an intense, exciting view of life on-board whilst racing in the world's toughest ocean.

Knockdown!

During this part of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, our Marlow ambassador on board 'Imagine your Korea' will be sharing weekly mini blogs during the epic Southern Ocean Race from Cape Town to Freemantle.

In the last 72 hours we have had two updates from James which give an intense, exciting view of life on-board whilst racing in the world's toughest ocean.

SOUTHERN OCEAN BLOG 1: 20.11.19

Basking in the shadow of Table Mountain, the Clipper Race fleet makes its final preparations ahead of Race 4; a 4,750 nautical mile ocean crossing from Cape Town, South Africa to Fremantle, Australia. 

7th & 8th October

LEG 1, RACE 2: PORTIMAO PORTUGAL TO PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY

In James' second blog from the Portugal to Uruguay Race, he gives us an insight into Race tactics, improving 'Imagine Your Korea's' Race position and a novel attempt for Race gains following in America's Cup foiling catamaran footsteps. 

Countdown

LEG 1, RACE 2: PORTIMAO PORTUGAL TO PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY

In James' latest blog he gives us an insight into crossing of the Equator and the King Neptune rituals that ensued - legendary amongst sailors and the Clipper Race!

Written 1/10/19 just north of the Equator then the day after the crossing on 3/10/19.

Mindfulness