Around Alone Report for October 11

The song and order remain the same

As the leading yachts of Class I approach the equator their order is unchanged.  Somewhere still is the decided leader with a 94 mile edge over Group 4.  Still 3rd is Gartmore 123 miles back.

The Class II order is also unchanged.  Also, the Class II race is much the closer one.  Cray Valley leads followed by Magellan 19   miles back and Balance Bar 35 miles out.

It looks like the Class I boats should keep moving on as they are within the best window for passage through the Doldrums.  Also, the fleet should benefit from an overall increase in the tradwinds. 

Finally on this Sunday let's surf around the fleet and see what the Around Alone mariners are up to.  Isabell Autissier has made progress on fixing PRB's forestay.  However, "But I have not really had the chance to test it: right now I am sailing with the solent."  Mike Golding aboard Group 4 feels his current position could be of benefit tactically.  He describes his position this way: "If I can just stay to the left then there is the possibility that SOMEWHERE, PRB and, to a lesser extent, Gartmore will find themselves unable to clear Recife. If so it could be a good gain for the Brits."  This hope may turn to wishful thinking as the fleet is coming left to join Group 4.  Golding is in somewhat of a resting stage.   Recently for breakfast: "I went for it with a full English breakfast bacon, egg, beans bread (which amazingly still tastes OK) followed by cereal toast and tea."   Then he rested after eating all of this food.  He feels he is ready to finish the 2nd half of the leg strong.  Fila which is still well back in the fleet sends the following :  "In any case, we're well positioned for crossing the Equator."  So, Soldini still has hope ! Cray Valley's J.P. Mouligne has this plan: "The doldrums are getting closer now and I need to be as rested as possible." Robin Davie on South Carolina provides this description of his sleep system: "I never sleep longer than 40 minutes, and to make sure I wake up every 40 minutes I set a mechanical timer that is electrically connected to a very loud fire/intruder alarm - its guaranteed to wake the dead." Finally Neal Petersen on www.no-barriers.com has a unique plan to help one of his sponsors Phillips Industrial Services.   According to Neal: "One of the things Les [Phillips] and I discussed and are planning is for me to do a management pep talk on the radio with his team. It keeps them involve in what I am doing, and I get to use my motivational skills to help with productivity."  I would say that this would have more impact than a normal motivational speech !