So we are on the way to Lampedusa, having had a very interesting night getting through a big hole off Cape Vito.

We chose the ‘go out to sea’ option, and it initially looked great but then the breeze filled in from the land so we lost a little bit. But hey ho thems the breaks.

We are now sailing upwind in 10 to 12 knots with our main opposition 6 miles ahead. We realise a 40min lead on corrected is nice but it can be taken away in a heartbeat in the massively variable and sometimes illogical conditions found out here.

Life on board is good and morale is high but things are getting a little fruity down below. Just another 180 miles or so and we will have that shower and food that the lads are dreaming of.

The battle continues.

JB

Three days in, and all is well on Aziza. We’ve enjoyed every wind condition from zero to thirty two knots, from every direction, rain and now sunshine.  Spirits are high on board. We’re eating well and keeping hydrated in the warm wind. As I write this we are passing Pantellaria.  We are looking forward to sitting in the RMYC with our rivals in a few days to recount the many funny and exciting stories from the arena of competition.

Regards

Sandro

Last night was probably the toughest of the the race so far, due to the sea state and the wind. We were on the wind with a reef and small headsail. We could make Pantelleria in one tack, but are perhaps too close now since we are in the lee of the island. It is quite a big wind shadow and I can see a boat 0.5nm inside us who looks to be stopped completely. There boats all around and we should be on our way properly in the next 10 minutes or so.

It will be a proper beat to Lampedusa. The true wind is SSE at about 13 knots. At the moment we only have 6 knots, but I can see boats on port and starboard ahead of us.

We suffered a bit of damage last night to our starboard pulpit during a headsail peel and we lost a spike overboard. Everybody is happy though and we are about to enjoy a good cooked breakfast.

gooood morning !
we need a shower, this is a realistic need

the measure of the quality and intensity of the race is well describedby this:
3 am 25th october, off Capo Vito , a sudden shout “UP  UP  UP UP ” !
we turned port side and AIKOS was calling for water !

gently we replied, “no worry we are faster and will pass without trouble”
it went like that

no time to rest a minute, competitors are all around

a lonely dolphin spashed meters port side of me . I ran inside the chart table, grabbed the camera
switched it on and ….. I finally realized it was 4 am full night moonless
I was too worried about the dolphine picture prize …