After a slow day Scarlet is around 15NM NW of the island of Filicudi, wind
is light at 3 to 4 knots and the crew have worked hard all day to keep boat
speed up in hot conditions.
Our position has changed over the hours with us leading class and even IRC
overall at some points yesterday, which has certainly helped to keep the
crew focused as we sailed by a cloud enshrouded Mount Etna yesterday
lunchtime and drifted past a grumbling Stromboli volcano with streams of
lava running down its side, our companion for most of last night in the
light conditions.
The race course has so far lived up to its reputation as one of the most
beautiful in the world, it could well live up to its reputation as one of the
toughest tactically and also weather wise with the forecast showing testing
conditions of 35 to 40 knots for us as we round Sicily and head South and
then East past the islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa.
The international nature of the Global Yacht Racing crew adds a great
flavour to the race as Germans exchange sail trim tips with Russians, Dutch,
Canadians and Americans, as well as a few Brits of course!
The crew work improves all the time as we change from headsails to Light A1
asymmetrics then Peel to running A2’s. Skippers Andy and Ross calling the
changes at short notice as the wind oscillates and our boat speed fluctuates.
Ross’ knowledge of the yacht is a fantastic asset as we make great
call after great call to keep what is effectively a heavy yacht hooked into
our much lighter competitors.
Hopefully this will be our last night of drifting as the breeze is set to go
up on Tuesday ahead of the predicted sleigh ride on Wednesday.
All to play for on board as we chase down a podium position!
Andy.