Race 3 - Day 14
Skipper Report
06 November

It seems that someone in the know has decided that we really need to have another pasting this leg, before we finish. Not only have we seen two fruity depressions in as many days, but now there is a low forecast to loiter around St Helena Bay, waiting to meet us at the finish, meaning we should expect a beat into 35 - 40kts from the SE before we cross the finish line. Thanks for that...

As the southernmost boat in the fleet there is now a dilemma for us. Do we go now and head straight for Cape Town, burning our angle advantage on approach, or do we follow our routing software and keep on keeping on just south of east and ride the backing winds northwards and therefore reach into Cape Town when others are beating? The problem is twofold and simple. We've been burnt before, making decisions based on forecasts that subsequently prove to be inaccurate and it is frustrating. Also, what if a more direct route gets us in before the 40kts arrives? Are we just wasting our time going south of east now?

On a positive note, the sea state is abating and the wind has settled (it is now just a F7/8 here).

We lost a lot of time staying 'buttoned-down' the other night during the 40 - 45kts when others were pushing and going fast. Having seen 70kts when the GRIB forecasts for the first depression suggested 45kts, I decided discretion was advisable when the next 45kts was due in, especially as we had no wind instruments, meaning helming downwind at night is more challenging than ever. We are paying for my decision now, but who knows what might have come from a more aggressive approach. Yes, we might have stayed with the guys around us, but also, we might have had an accidental crash gybe in 70kts. We know neither happened and, on balance, I think it was the right decision. Safety must always come first.

Brad and Arsha completed their final tour of duty in Cafe 40 today, serving up very popular porridge to start the day and a splendid chilli and wonderful chocolate or orange muffins with cream or other accompaniments for dinner. I feel rather guilty that I don't remember lunch. We were busy changing sail plan, so whatever it was, it was just unceremoniously wolfed down. Oops. Either way, as ever, lots of hard work went into providing food for 22 on board which was, as ever, much appreciated.

That's it for now. Good night all.

All the best from,

Mark, Dan and the rest of WTC Logistics Leg 2 Crew