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23 March 2006, 11:51 am

Busy Days In Subic Bay

Clipper Round The World Yacht Race 2005-2006

Subic Bay, Phillipines

With less than two days to go until the race restart on Saturday 25 March, crews are busy working on their respective boats to get them ready for the upcoming race to Qingdao, China. The pontoons at the Subic Bay Yacht Club, Philippines are once again a hive of activity, with the ten rerigged yachts all back alongside in front of the now familiar pink building.

The last few crew members are arriving back at Subic Bay, and getting stuck into the extensive list of jobs that need to be done before the fleet put to sea on Saturday. Sails are been moved back and forth, provisions are been bagged and labelled and water tanks, bunks and sole boards are being replaced. There's certainly no lack of determination to get things done as swiftly as possible and most teams started at the crack of dawn today to get the many jobs underway.

The two onsite surveyors, Richard LAMBLE and Chris GLADISH, are making sure the yachts are fully prepared, and are preparing to carry out a full safety survey across the fleet before departure. Qingdao, the first boat to be relaunched, will be the first one to be checked over and sailed today.

One of yesterday's arrivals was westernaustralia.com skipper Mark PREEDY, who met up with his crew and is now busy preparing the Blue Boat for Saturday.

Teams of carpenters, riggers, sail repairers and tank fitters are continuing to work until well after dark today, and tomorrow promises to be yet another very busy day in Subic Bay.