Please consult The Around Alone Report Users Guide for an explanation of this report.
The three class I boats remaining are all at 49 degrees south. They are involved in a drag race with speeds of 13 to 14 knots.
Fleet Round Up:
Somewhere still leads by 39 miles over PRB. Somewhere has been sailing in gail conditions. At one point Marc Thiercelin described the following extreme sailing situation: "Now I'm sailing under staysail, and surfing at up to 18 knots !" At the present time Marc also reports: "Nothing is working on board to give me weather reports, so I'm sailing blind." Considering the circumstances, he is doing very well.
PRB is 2nd trailing Somewhere by 39 miles. Isabelle Autissier seems calm given the circumstances: "Not much to do besides watch from the inside between maneuvers."
Fila is now 3rd 77 miles from 1st. Fila has managed to close the distance to the leader by 22 miles. At last report Fila had the fleets highest speed of 14.7 knots. Also, Fila is now at the same latitude as the boats ahead. The 3 boats latitudes range from 49 degrees 30 minutes to 49 degrees 58 minutes. There is very little course variation, with both French boats steering 112 degrees and Soldini at 117. For now it's a boat speed contest, and Soldini seems to have the edge and should gain more.
Gartmore is still underway to the Chatham Islands after being dismasted. Gartmore is moving at 4.2 knots.
Magellan Alpha has grabbed 1st in class II by 8 miles over Balance Bar. by 14 miles over Balance Bar. In light of Josh Hall and Robin Davie's misfortune fellow Brit Mike Garside says: "I now have little choice but to give it my all. Anything less would be an unconditional surrender." So far so good.
Balance Bar is 1st in Class II by 8 miles. As with class I the leading Class 2 boats are sailing at the same latitude. They are positioned ranging from 47 degrees 10 latitude to 47 degrees 37 minutes. Of the lead three Balance Bar is the slowest at 10.8 knots.
3rd is the current overall Class II leader, Cray Valley. Cray Valley is 62 miles from the lead and is showing a fantastic turn of speed- 13.9 knots. Look like J.P. Mouligne wants the lead back. About his tremendous pace, Mouligne says: "Since this afternoon I have picked up the pace and the stress level has followed."
Next is the first of the 40 foot Class II entries, Wind of Change. Wind of Change is 199 miles back. Viktor Yazykov is sporting a speed of 12.1 knots, meaning he will stay in touch with the leaders.
Next is www.no-barriers.com. Neal Petersen is 623 miles back. The fleet leaders are sailing in gales, while from No Barriers on back they are sailing in calm conditions. Due to the lack of wind Neal reports: "I have crossed the international date line twice, and just can't seem to stay on the western side." Still, Neal is optimistic,"It never always goes the way we want, but in the end, all does work out."
Next is Shuten Dojhi II. Shuten lies 628 miles from 1st place.
Paladin 2 comes next 653 miles back. Neil Hunter reports on recent conditions: "Wind none. Becalmed on a glassy sea with a rolling under swell."
What does it all mean ?
Both classes leaders are pushing hard. One hopes that nothing catastrophic happens to one of the boats. Still, its the Southern Ocean and the situation bears watching.