dATE 17.09.11
LAT 35 10.8S
LONG 022 11.0w
DTR 1999 (Lets party like its 1999)
SKIPPERS BLOG
As the wind continues to back and moderate Gold coast Australia is
beginning to sail higher angles to the wind and slower progress to
Capetown. Because we are the most southeasterly boat in the fleet the
changing pressure affects us earlier than the other boats. Unfortunately
this will mean that as the wind continues to back and we start sailing
north again the boats to the northeast of us will make significant gains
until the wind starts to veer again. Gold coasts original tactics had us
sailing to the south of the high pressure system that dominates the
weather at the moment however due to its movement to the west this option
is becoming less and less available and we must create a contingency plan.
Though the wind is generally moderating it is still very unstable and we
are still experiencing the odd squall, some of which carry hail which
would provide fantastic ice for our drinks after each watch if it was hot.
Thought the windward course brings new challenges including living on a 15
degree angle and constant streams of water over the deck making the crew
wet and cold, moral is still high and there is still time for a bit of a
laugh between teammates as we punch through another big wave. Team
Gold coast is currently relishing in the current conditions and making the
most of the windy conditions as we know that it wont last and in a couple
of days we will be drifting around, becalmed with the crack crack crack of
the flapping mainsail as the boat rolls to the swell in no wind. BT