Photo leaving Messina Strait heading from Stromboli.
Skipper La Reponse 
Andrew McIrvine – After a good start we got round the first 2 buoys in the top 3 of the green fleet. As we set off for Sicily under Code 0 we got into the lead. Good speed through the night until it got very soft before the Messina straits. We had stayed low and away from the Italian side where there was much less wind. We got to the straits with wind filling from behind and max favourable tide. Went through at 10-11 kts over the ground. We were with our ‘big sister’ Elusive the First 45 and Black Bull j111. We can see Quokka a mile ahead. Apparently we are now 15th – up from 40th. Nice sunny morning tho Etna was obscured by cloud. 20kts behind us 9kts plus. S2 and staysail. Time for sleep !