Today, we will once again slip lines and start leg number five, which is divided into two races – the first and longer one directing us to Da Nang, Vietnam, and the second and shorter one to Qingdao, China. Both will be intense on their own, as we will encounter tropical temperatures, our second equator crossing with the doldrums and squalls, many close island passages and highly frequented fishing areas. But before we start racing we will have to sail for 150nm to the actual race start that is located east off the Great Barrier Reef (in the Solomon Sea). This is because the race committee wants to avoid the boats racing across the reef and risking any damages to the boats. After that we will head north, leaving Papua New Guinea and eventually also the Philippines to port, before we head across the Babuyan Channel into the South China Sea and onto Vietnam. Our estimated arrival window is between the 17th and 21st February. Talk to you from there!