Saturday, September 04, 2010
This is what I think all of our sailors will be longing for now.
Another intense night of fickle winds, tidal gates, and looking over your shoulder….the conditions are keeping everyone on their toes and glued to every last piece of weather info and tidal information they can muster.
Visit Malta Puma have this morning extended their on water lead over Cheeki up to 16 miles and are 4th overall in class. They must now stay in this position until they cross the finish line to endure their top of the podium season result. They have rounded the Lizard earlier and ate now headed to another tidal gate at Start point – the decision here is to head inshore to get the effects of the favourable tide (if they are there at the right time) or to stay offshore. It’s like a game of Russian roulette….there is no definitive answer and the teams have to make their decision based on the best information they can find.
It is light winds, overcast but warm here in the Solent this morning. Our spies in Cherbourg say the wind has filled in a little over there as they have sunshine and blue skies – Philippe has drizzle and heavy mist where Puma are, so there is definitely a mix bag of conditions still to face.
Playing Around have continued their yo-yoing with British Soldier with the Army lads taking the advantage at this point in time, but I am sure that Peter and the crew will be bouncing back by the time the next poll come through. It is a really difficult situation all the yachts are in now as they fight up the English Channel, with light headwinds and very strong tides. They must now be on their last reserves of energy, let’s hope not on the last reserves of loo roll!!
Eta’s at midday: Playing Around 10 am Sunday, Puma 4pm Sunday
