An area of light winds lies ahead of the leaders and they have taken the choice to go south towards the ice limit where the wind is stronger. This weather pattern is remarkably similar to that which we found 26 years ago in Enza. The normal south-westerly winds in the route we had chosen were replaced by easterlies created by a long ridge of high pressure. To find favourable winds we ducked down to 64 degrees south and found ourselves in sight of icebergs. We sailed between two small ones only to discover that they were joined underwater! Boards up quickly and sighs of relief as the rudders missed.
Maître CoQ has increased its lead to just over 100 miles from Apivia which is 50 miles ahead of LinkedOut. Boris Herrmann has moved into 4th place a further 210 miles West, 50 miles ahead of Jean Le Cam. Bureau Vallée has dropped to 10th place and now has auto-pilot problems. Pip Hare has moved into 17th place and Miranda Merron still holds 23rd.
Damage and breakages should not be a surprise at this stage when the leaders of the fleet are over halfway, having sailed 15,000 miles, non-stop. In fact is that only six boats out of 33 have had to pull out because of damage. There will be an assessment as to why some boats sustained structural problems but there is no greater test for modern materials and equipment than a solo, non-stop, circumnavigation through some of the most ferocious seas on our planet. The lessons learned filter down to the whole world of sailing.
Also teaching us something new about sailing, racing in the America’s Cup series in New Zealand had to be cancelled yesterday (overnight for us in Europe) through insufficient wind. The first race, between Emirates Team New Zealand and INEOS Team UK could not finish within the 45 minute time allowance and both boats were off their foils at the end. INEOS has problems. Her foils are different to the Kiwis and don’t seem to be able to provide lift as easily at low speed and the lesson that is coming out of the racing so far is that you must keep on the foils.
Thanks to those who sent messages regarding the abrupt loss of power to my house yesterday which closed down the Wi-Fi, as well as removing heat and light. The electric company has installed a temporary generator outside my garages whilst they investigate the source of the problem, and I am buying more candles. I have a couple of paraffin pressure lamps somewhere, back to what was standard in solo sailing 50 years ago!
Elsewhere the Sydney to Hobart race has had to be cancelled because of the virus.