Qingdao
At the end of the clipper race I learnt that Qingdao is pronounced Chindao.
Race 12: Jersey to Liverpool
There were two parts to this race. The positions in each part are as follows: Holyhead: 6th, Liverpool: 5th, giving a final position of 7th.
I took lots of pictures at the race finish
This picture shows Qingdao and Glasgow tacking up the River Mersey past the Seacombe ferry terminal after completing their circumnavigation of the world.
Race 11: New York - Jersey
4th
Race 10: Port Anonio - New York
Damaged sails.
5th
Race 9: Panama - Port Antonio
5th
Race 8: Victoria - Panama
There was some sad news, John Lawson who sailed with Qingdao until Singapore has died. He was taken ill before the clipper could leave Singapore and was diagnosed with a brain tumour. It had been hoped that after treatment he would be able to rejoin the clipper for the final race.
9th to reach the finish line.
Race 7: Qingdao - Victoria
Qingdao had to stop racing because crew person Merrick Dawes had a fall during rough weather resulting in a suspected dislocated shoulder. Qingdao sailed back towards Japan to meet a Japanese patrol boat. The patrol boat took the crew person to hospital in Yokohama.
Race 6 Restarted
Qingdao was 6th to arrive in Qingdao.
Race 6
At the start of the race Qingdao narrowly missed colliding with Liverpool and Cardiff.
Due to the problems with yacht keel bolts race six was abandoned and the yachts diverted to Subic Bay, in the Philipines for inspection / repairs.
Race 5
In the fifth race from Freemantle to Singapore the clipper came 7th. In the next leg they sail to their home port Qingdao.
Race 1
In the last clipper race the Chinese entry was Hong Kong, this time it is Qingdao, named after the Chinese city that will host the 2008 Olympics.
I met a friend at lunchtime and spotted the clippers had started to arrive at the Albert Dock.
On September 18th I arrived at Seacombe just in time to see the clippers racing.
Clippers in the 2005-2006 race
Race Stages
Albert Dock Index
Race web site