A Word From The Race Director

Paul Bishop, Race Director, Technical Assessment Report:

The latest forecast is now indicating that the headwinds will continue up to the time limit of the race (06:00 Thursday 5 August) which will be favourable to the modern-rigged vessels. Class C yachts will have a particular advantage as their rivals in Class D are unlikely to be able to fly spinnakers in this wind direction but will still have to carry a time correction penalty for having them on board.

 Akela, Russia continues to lead the fleet with Spaniel, Latvia, directly behind her at a distance of 8 miles. However a group of Class C and D vessels (Tomidi, St Iv and Sirma) have placed themselves more to the south in order to take advantage of the forecasted wind change which could help them close the gap on Akela and Spaniel if the wind veers as predicted – time will seeäó_

Ten vessels have now rounded Waypoint 1 (57.00N 007.00E) with Jolie Brise putting in a strong performance in these headwinds as the first traditional rigged vessel to do so.  Wylde Swan is also excelling in these conditions and is leading the Class A fleet on the water and on corrected time. She is followed by Stad Amsterdam and Mir in Class A.

Close behind Jolie Brise in Class B on corrected time is Liv and Stina Mari.  In Class C St Iv leads with Spaniel and Sirma close behind in second and third on corrected time. Akela is first on corrected time in Class D followed by Gigi and  Tomidi.

The variable wind conditions have made this an unpredictable race so far and there are likely to be more changes as this exciting race continues.