News

Crews repeated the 1100nm made good yesterday on day 46. While conditions are just about favourable many crews are struggling to make big distances as the wind just is not strong enough to help them along. Indeed, Jim Houlton and Paul Milnthorpe on the Reason Why have commented on how it feels like they are rowing through treacle.

Richard Hume on Red Arrow is also down with the distinct lack of progress made – especially after their great week last week. While there is a light following wind it seems any amount of effort is not enough to get the boat moving as it was.

However, it is not all bad on the fleet, with the crew of Mission Atlantic confirming they are in goods spirits, suffering with just the routine aches and pains at this point. Ole Elmer and Brian Olsen on Boogie Woogie declared that while there is a long way to go they are in a good frame of mind saying that, “While in a beautiful boat with good food and company it is not all bad.” Incidentally Boogie Woogie saw a small sailing boat yesterday, skippered by a German, but were unable to make contact due to a language barrier. Is this the same crew that saw James Ketchell the day before? Small world.

While the event is almost over for Charlie Pitcher, who is expected to make land within a week, the chasing crews behind are still battling for a podium position. QBE Insurance Challenger extended their small lead, but the pairs are all closing in on each other just behind. Expect more changes over the coming days.