Good day everyone,
Since the last blog two days ago we have transited through the last Mandatory Gate and kept our northerly route above the rest of the fleet, making good progress. On this part of the race, a lot depends on the current, so positions have been traded regularly depending on which boats are in the better current.
Last night saw our first big low-pressure system pass over us. Breeze increased steadily in the afternoon, so did the grey skies. As the sun set, we had extremely heavy rains, some lightning, and even loud bangs of thunder in the distance. I took over from Charlie at 0300 this morning and got the worst of the low, seeing 59knots of wind and big increases of swell to around 4 metres which made for some very nice downwind sailing to be honest. Once day broke, the low started passing, however the swell turned into a bit of a washing machine, confused and messy. However, it is starting slowly to clean up, I hope.
We managed to set sail and only make one small change the entire low - dropping a headsail and re-hoisting, soa pretty good night with boat speeds. Certainly, had a good amount of mainsail up but it felt fine so why change it! We really got a feel for the Pacific last night. At watch change we surfed a wave up to 20.5knots of boat speed and I just shouted to the new watch 'Welcome to the Pacific guys, let’s go!" Can't wait for more downwind surfing and the amazing sailing that lies ahead. It is rare to be able to experience this, so think we will certainly take it all in on this race.
There are still some crew recovering from flu but hoping everyone will be 100% soon.
Resting up this afternoon after a busy 24 hours, sails are set nicely with good current behind us so hopefully have some easy sailing for the next 24 hours. Famous last words!
Bye for now,
Ryan, Charlie and our hardworking crew