Quest has finish line on the horizon
We're nearly there. By last night Quest was less than 100 nautical miles from completing the China Sea Race, sailing about 20 miles west of the Philippine coast, and the talk on board had turned to cold beer and hot showers.
The leaders are already probably bellied up to the bar in Subic Bay, with Frank Pong's Boracay having finished first. However, because yachts of all sizes and speeds are competing in the race, the overall positions on corrected times won't be known until all the boats have crossed the line.
We started seeing signs yesterday morning that we were closing in on the Luzon coast, with a small bird swooping up to Quest and perching on a radio antenna for a free ride. Other than that, wildlife has been sparse besides a few flying fish skipping across the surface of the water. The fish have probably been scared off by the sunburnt, unshaven crew draped over Quest's decks. Rising temperatures and periods of dead calm have tested the patience and tolerance needed for Quest's cozy sleeping arrangements, with some crew opting for the galley floor rather than spend another night doubled up in steaming bunks.
Skipper Patrick Slesinger has been employing a variety of creative tactics to encourage crew to push Quest to the limit around the clock. Promises of rum and warm company upon arrival in Subic Bay were topped by a new incentive when Slesinger emerged from the cabin at midnight to tell the crew: 'We have plenty of water and food, but I'm nearly out of cigarettes, so you better hope we get to Subic soon.'
Renewed trimming efforts commenced immediately.
This is crewman Ngan Ka Nam's first time off shore, and he's quickly proving himself to be a steady hand on the helm despite constant questions over his well being and state of mind without land in sight.
Told that Saturday night, with its warm winds and a bright moon and Saturn dangling over our bow, was as good as sailing could get, Ngan said: 'Then we might as well turn around and go home now.'
No way. We can nearly see the finish line from here.
Cameron Dueck is a South China Morning Post business reporter.
