After watching the rest of the fleet going from wind hole to wind hole during the last few days. This morning was our turn to get stuck into a blackhole with no wind when we needed it the most, to cross and area of strong currents. We started the night flying at 10 knots of speed and a near full moon flat waters on the Australian Gold coast. Sweet sailing for hours and hours feeling the satisfaction of meeting our daily targets and getting closer to achieving the top position by the end of the leg. When in a wind hole, we had two options; change direction, change sails, move crew around, cursing something and shout “why us?!!” - the other option is to tighten the sails throw the fishing rod and wait for the wind to arrive. Obviously, we chose the first one and after a lot of effort we ended where we started four hours earlier, next time we’ll think again! Remaining positive in difficult times is hard, but it’s so rewarding and it shows a professional crew. On Punta del Este, we rule for being happy and positive and we work hard at it.

For the last few days, the crew in charge of cooking are allowed to use any ingredients available, no need to use a recipe, so we use all the random food left. Today, we had curry pasta for lunch. Dinner could be just as interesting. What is great to see, it’s that everybody puts a lot of effort. This leg has a group of individuals that have kept the standards very high at all times and without me nagging behind.

Now back on the trade winds, sailing at a good speed towards Airlie Beach. This race it's going to be a closed one, let’s see who gets on the podium this time!

For any generous people, this is the link for Punta del Este Clipper Race fundraising for Unicef.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jeronimo-Santos-Gonzalez

Daily Stats:

Tune of the day: I was born under a wandering star. Lee Marvin

Daily Run: 236 nm

Max boat speed: 12 knots

Sealife spotted: Lots of dolphins, parents with baby dolphins, teenagers and all

Sailing manoeuvres (sail changes, tacks and gybes): Windseeker up

Hot drinks consumed: With the hot weather we are into cold lemon juice now

Meal of the day: Curry pasta

Crew of the day: Anne is on the ball, hungry for knowledge and to become the best helmswoman

Tip of the day: Remain positive, no matter what!

Jeronimo