Around Alone Report for October 25

Somewhere regains lead, Wind of Change moves up

Yesterday, PRB has managed to wrestle the Class I lead from Somewhere.  This did not last long as Somewhere has now regained the lead and put 9 miles on PRB.  From PRB Isabelle Autissier reports that now the next goal facing these Class I leaders is to get around a high pressure system at around 35 degrees south: "This will probably mean a detour at around 36 or 37 degrees south, which won't make this leg any shorter!"   It will be interesting to see who holds the lead then.

In Class II there also has been a position swap.   The 40 footer Wind of Change has overtaken the 50 footer Shuten Dojhi II.  This is remarkable as Wind of Change started the leg 4 days after the bulk of the fleet.  Wind of Change has managed to turn a western position into solid gains. 

Back in Class I, Group 4 is still the 3rd place yacht, trailing by 106 miles.  Next is Gartmore 142 miles out of 1st.  Fila and Giovanni Soldini  continue to make gains, he is now 247 miles out.  The question is: will Soldini close fast enough ?

Cray Valley is back in her accustomed 1st place spot in Class II and has gained on Balance Bar.  This suits J.P. Mouligne just fine: "The good news is that I have regained the lead and I can assure you that I will fight like hell to keep it all the way to Cape Town."  In 2nd place on Balance Bar Brad Van Liew feels "that this will be a close boat race until the finish based on the abnormal and tricky weather to the south."  Mike Garside and Magellan Alpha are still in 3rd place, 280 miles out, 31 more than yesterday. 

South Carolina is the next Class II yacht 631 miles back of 1st, followed by Rapsacllion III.  Following is Neal Petersen on www.no-barriers.com.   Yesterday morning Neal crossed the equator.  Neal honored King Neptune with an offering and also thanked his supporters: "A vast number of people and organizations in the Northern Hemisphere has stepped to the plate to help build our Foundation and put me on the water. To all of you, THANK YOU!!." 

Following www.no-barriers.com is Wind of Change, Shuten-dohi II and Paladin 2.