LAT 14 31.5
LONG 094 02.9W
DTF 191nm
ETA
COG 150
SOG 4kts
WEATHER WIND 313@5kts, Sea Slight, Swell S 1/2m, W 1/2m, Cloud 1/8, Baro 1006
The sunrise for Gold Coast Australia bought a beautiful sight as the large equatorial sun beamed through the volcanic ash suspended in the air displaying indescribable brilliance of colours. As many as six turtles swam around the boat as we coasted along in light unpredictable winds.
As the winds died off completely after sunrise I feared that we had sailed too far into the bay, and in doing so had sailed into the lee of the mountains while searching for wind that was predicted for that location.
Gradually the wind began to pick up again, and to our relief by the morning sked it was revealed that we were not the only yacht to have parked up through the morning, though Visit Finland had made some good mileage on us, De Lage Landen were still in the same relative position as they were 12 hours before.
The announcement by the Race Committee that the Sailing Instructions had been changed to move the finish line forward to Remedious Gate is no doubt a relief to the becalmed fleet. In addition two extra gates were added to the SI’s, Santa Cruz and El Rancho.
Throughout the day the wind picked up and by mid afternoon we had enough wind to make six knots towards the next gate, and at sunset we saw a maximum of 11kts of wind before the wind gradually began to decrease again. At 14:06:01 on 28 April 2012 Gold Coast Australia crossed the Santa Cruz gate in position 14 38.6N 094 09.8W. The Bearing to the W Santa Cruz waypoint was 220 T Range 249nm. I believe we crossed this gate in first place however we will have to wait for the next sked to confirm this. The crew have worked very hard maximise boat speed in light airs and should be very proud of their achievement.
Richard Hewson
Gold Coast Australia