LAT 13 42.0N
LONG 092 42.4W
DTF 137nm
ETA 0900 01 May 2012
COG 110
SOG 6.5kts
WEATHER WIND 300@7kts, Sea Slight, Swell Variable, Cloud 3/8 Ci, Baro 1005
Gold Coast Australia has been sailing well in light and fickle winds over the past 24 hours as we try to place a loose cover
over our nearest rivals De Lage Landen who are 50nm to the south. Whilst the GRIB files and weather data show that there is
more wind in shore, there are also some very high mountains that need to be considered in the tactics and so we are trying
to stay as close into the shore as we dare without running the risk of being becalmed in the lee of the mountains. DLL is
well to the south and clear of the lee and so we need to make sure that we try to stay in the same, if not better conditions
as them until the finish. Though we may make greater gains by sailing in shore and picking up the terrestrial winds it is not worth the risk.
Another day surrounded by this beautiful sea scape filled with plentiful wild life. For the majority of the night last
night dolphins accompanied us as we coasted along the coast, their bodies lit up by the phosphorescence in the water
providing us with a fantastic light display. Throughout the day more whales, dolphins and turtles, and even a shark coasting along behind the boat for a short period.
At 02:30:55 on 30 April 2012 Gold Coast Australia crossed the El Rancho gate in position 13 52.7N 092 56.2W. The
Bearing to the West El Rancho waypoint was 220 T Range 232.4nm. Team Gold Coast Australia has been working very hard to
achieve this result. My team and I are very excited about our time and position across the gate and we now race as hard as we can for the last 100 or so miles until the finish line set at Remedious Gate.
Richard Hewson
Gold Coast Australia