News

Crews continue to move well despite the poor weather. Between them they covered 1200nm on day 38 the lowest total for 4 days, and as a fleet have completed over 34,000nm of the race. The ‘official’ half way point will be at 38,000nm (half of the total for all crews) which should be surpassed during the weekend.

Many crews are trying to make as much south as possible over the coming days with the weather turning and due to be at its worse over the weekend. Both solo competitors Peter Van Kets and Roger Haines have said that they are trying to make south – not because they are going to miss the bad weather – in an ocean rowing boat you simply cannot move fast enough to miss the bad weather, but you can do your best to avoid the worst, as they are.

While many crews pass halfway, 4 more on day 38, it can create both a positive and a negative emotion. While it means crews are now closer to the finish than the start, the realisation that you are only half way after so long at sea an be detrimental to a competitors psychological state, as Jim Houlton on The Reason Why suggests in their most recent blog.

Boogie Woogie win the award for visits at sea. Over the past couple of weeks, like many crews they have seen some incredible slights, wildlife and cargo, but they have also seen a number of other crews. Many of the crews have not seen another racing boat since the start of the race, yet it seems every week Boogie Woogie see a different competitor. In the last few days it was Heart Of The Warrior and a week or so ago Dave Brooks in Team Panasonic made an appearance.

Britannia III moved a further 46nm towards the finish line, they are however struggling with their position. They are now south of the finish line and trying immensely hard to make their north to get in today and finally end their crossing and be reunited with their loved ones.