For the 70-foot Clipper Race Round the World yachts, a little Seattle drizzle is mild compared to the rough seas they just crossed. Staying dry is important, with the right water proof gear and life jackets.
Sunday, the Derry-Londonderry-Doire crew invited KING 5 on board to learn their strategy. They just won the most recent leg in the global race, having recently arrived in Seattle from China.
Watching for obstacles and communicating with the crew is key. Raising the sails isn't as easy as it looks. It is called grinding, and it is really tough.
But we're not the only amateurs here. The clipper race boasts nearly half its crew had never sailed before the race round the world.
"I sea kayak and I dive. Sailing was something I hadn't gotten around to doing," Ellie Fearon said.
Fearon is on the boat's full time crew. A first time sailor before the race, she's now logged 30,000 miles, with 10,000 left. It's the toughest and most memorable challenge she's ever completed.
"When we've done well and the hard work pays off," she said. "There are some absolutely beautiful days at sea as well."
The clipper race will leave for New York next week. Until then, they'll enjoy sort of dry land here in Seattle.
"Great feeling. Relief to be tied up and proud of the team," said skipper Daniel Smith.
