Race 2 - Day 1
Skipper Report
16 September

We left the dock in bright sunshine. Many of the crew have enjoyed a day or two off in Portimão and, frankly, it's a rather splendid place to be. That said, yesterday we were ready to leave and move on towards Uruguay.

Race start was in a light breeze which filled as the race start time approached. We flew Yankee 1, staysail and a full mainsail, as did all or most of the fleet. We located ourselves close to Qingdao and Punta del Este. Mainly because Qingdao do well on starts and Punta del Este played an excellent card in local waters on the last race. We just made the line (30 cm in it!) and ended up second at the first mark, behind Punta.

Following Punta del Este, we tacked for clean air as we left the short inshore course and headed for the Canaries, buoyed with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, the fleet ran over us largely due to trim, but we have recovered and are currently sixth and, I think, well placed.

I'd just like to say thank you to Lindsey Thomas and Beccy and Rachel and Ian Griffiths for their support this stopover. Thanks to them and thanks to all WTC Logistics supporters (and WTC Logistics themselves) for their messages of support. It really makes a difference when the tail is down, so to speak!

Regards,

Mark