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Around Alone Report November 6

First Full day at Sea

On this first full day In Class I PRB is  right back at the front.  8.4 miles back is Somewhere, followed by Group 4 10 miles out.  Next are Fila and Gartmore. 

Currently all these boats are steering courses ranging from 168 (PRB) to 186 (Group 4). They are all trying to sail quickly south to get the benefit of strong west winds expected this afternoon.

Class II is led by British sailor Mike Garside and Magellan Alpha.  His lead is 25 miles over  Wind of Change.   Magellan is the 2nd farthest east of anyone.

3rd in Class 2 is Balance Bar 26 miles from 1st.  Next is www.no-barriers.com which is the farthest yacht to the east.  No Barriers is 36 miles out of 1st.

Cray Valley follows 37 miles out.   Cray Valley has pushed south and stayed west.  So, perhaps Cray Valley will look better once the front with its westerly wind comes through.  

Paladin 2 comes next.  After the 40 footer is Rapscallion III.  Curiously Rapscallion is sailing a course of 066.  This could mean Rapscallion has equipment troubles and is returning to Cape Town.  Finally, there is Shuten Doojhi II 140 miles out.

So far, then most boats are heading south.  Some have received a benefit by heading east.  Still, the forecast is for strong winds from the west.  It would seem that boats to the west such as: Balance Bar, Group 4 and Wind of Change should make gains by getting the breeze first.   Check each day as the fleet crosses the Southern Ocean and Torresen Sailing site reports on it.