At the moment one of our fellow competitors who went over the start line in Lerwick 15 minutes behind us have still not arrived here in Lowestoft. This means they have lost out 48hours plus to us on this leg. That goes to show how mistakes made in light winds and strong tides can really hurt!
The job that faces us to achieve 2nd in class is far from easy, we are starting 30 minutes ahead of Taika and 1:45 ahead of Fastrack we have to make up a further 2 hours plus on them to beat them (due to handicap) something that in nearly 2000 miles we have been unable to do. So long as the wind is light and from behind us Chris and Kim in Taika have the upper hand but if it goes around to the west and becomes an upwind race we become very much in the frame to take it.
All that is known for sure is that this will be the most tactical leg so far and small mistakes and missed tidal gates will cost dearly. On a plus point however is that during the light winds cooking proper food becomes easier, and whilst the sun shines spirits are higher. There is nothing worse than sitting in the rain with no wind!
As we should have far more mobile phone reception on this leg than previous ones we should have the benefit of up to date forecasts, position reports and of course the ability to Blog real time for a change and maybe even time for a bit of banter with you guys at home.
As I type the wind is dropping and we have foul tide for the first hour so this will be far from a sprint across the start line. We may even need to sit tight and anchor for the first hour........................
Good luck with it! Still reading the blog and watching the tracker.
ReplyDeleteChris