We are now about a third of our way between Virtual Mark Siraut and Mark Fastnet and we are engaged in a great battle out here heading for Liverpool on this, our final race. The fleet is very tight and really any boat may have a chance of winning.

We have just put the first reef in the mainsail and I have been reminded that this is the first time that the watch on deck has put a reef in since refresher sailing in New York. Later this evening the wind is due to increase and we might see our first head-sail change since leaving the mighty Pacific Ocean nearly three months ago. The weather has been kind in this latter part of the race and after tonight's blow passes through, the weather forecast is promising some great light wind spinnaker action via St Georges Channel and the Irish sea.

The team is working hard, the focus is strong, and I am really enjoying the racing. I don't want it to end!

Cheers,

Bob