25/10/10 13:00
It’s take off time on board the Maxis..Shooting to thrill downwind, it will be a serious adrenalin rush on board, Esimit and Leopard.
Fully arched up, scorching along towards Lampedusa at phenomenal speed, the two massive yachts will be power reaching, surfing down three metre waves at over 20 knots.
It will be really wet on deck, with green water coming over the bow, as they plow into the waves. Esimit Europa 2 has just over 100 miles to go. Both yachts are expected to finish later tonight.
Behind them the chasing pack led by Alegre have also picked up speed, turning the corner at Pantalleria to begin the wild sleigh ride in fresh conditions. TP52s Lucky and Pace are close to taking the overall race lead from the Maltese J/133, Artie. Volvo 70, E1 have taken up a position very close to the west coast of Sicily presumably to find more breeze as it accelerates off the land.
Like a game of poker, the cards are currently favouring the high performance boats in this race for overall honours, the yachts behind them are now faced with a beat across the top of Sicily but don’t be surprised if some of the Maltese boats have a few aces up their sleeves.