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Iconic landmark Stromboli seen in the distance as Rambler rounds in 10 knots of breeze.
We expect several hours of downwind VMG sailing under our A3. The miles are passing easily now, next stop Trapani.
Rambler
Oh look it’s a seal!
No wind! so Tiago Jesus goes swimming the rest just sit and watch!
Feeding time at the zoo!
Unica crew having lunch in the sun, team all in good spirits tucking into some spare ribs!
Team Unica taking part in their third Rolex Middle Sea Race, footage taken just after the start of the race, where a very light breeze was encountered
Click on the below link to watch video Team Unica
This morning Bravo watch woke up to glassy seas which allowed us to get some sleep. Even in light air it can be pretty noisy downstairs. Sails furling in and out require big winches to do there jobs and the interior of modern carbon race boats serve as acoustic amplifiers for those down below. We have our new drifter up and the zero is hooked up and ready to go. Phaedo 3 is just up ahead of us a mile or so, looks like they need breeze like everyone else.
The town of Messina is off to port and Mount Etna, all 11,000 feet of her is in view off our stern. So far this race has provided plenty of things to look at, including the glowing lava flows of Mt Etna last night.
The wind is expected to swing left into Southwest at some point this morning which will have reaching and running out of the Strait. Until then we’ll wait.
Rambler
Dorade – The sun has just set on day one of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, and we are all happy to be out here on the water again. The boat is still moving along, although only at three knots. Hopefully we can maintain this, but I fear the wind is going to drop out completely and we could find ourselves parked up for some time.
The start in Malta this morning was fantastic, with the old Historic buildings all around and so many boats and spectators. It is something I will remember for a long time. We quickly made it out to sea, considering the lack of wind, and did our best to find some clear lanes of breeze. Considering we are rated the second slowest boat in the race, we put a lot of faster boats behind us.
Click on the link below to see Mark Newbrook’s short video clip of Rambler on it’s way to Capo Passero.
Soggy goggles and dripping head torch
Swan 45, Tala Light airs meaning tactical headaches. Wind shifts of 50 degrees in 3-7 seconds! But still trucking along. Lots of ideas and calls for sail changes only to wait for the 5 minute rule, and they’re cancelled!
Our helm noticed we picked up a lobster pot, after a tack/ back down still wasn’t clear off the keel, Gregory our hero quickly got undressed, handed the goggles and I surrendered my lovely Nav head torch for the jump. Within 5 seconds he resurfaced and gave the all clear and was back on deck.
Soggy goggles and dripping head torch handed back to the navigator and we started making the numbers much better! Depth sounder not reading so pot line over 100m!
Lots of on board debate over the rugby scores with the kiwis Aussies springboks and Welsh onboard!
Navigator clocking off! Will Broughton.
EH01– 17th October 7pm
And we are off…. the start of the Middle Sea Race and what looks like a challenging light wind start, with about 2-3 knots of wind as we get the announcement of an AP. Race start postponed for a short time until enough breeze came in to get us all out of the very busy harbour. Rolling starts were not a good idea here, as we had to wait for the group ahead to clear the harbour before we could get going. Grand Harbour as always as stunning race start location, with the super yachts, cruise liners and beautiful Maltese architecture and of course the sunshine Smile.
It wasn’t the best start for EH01, upwind with the no.2 Jib we were in the back of the group but not far off our nemesis Scarlet Oyster tacking back and forth past each other through the harbour we were as always making light-hearted banter and pleasantries with the crew, but focused as always on getting ahead. Rounding the first mark outside Grand Harbour we start to progress through the pack soon catching the fleet and progressing through it, making good speed despite the lack in wind.
Lots of time for rail chat as we all try and fine a comfortable position to hike out… oh, sorry I mean uncomfortable position… as Skipper would say, are you comfortable…. well you shouldn’t be so get hiking!! Before we know it the suns coming down, the Essex jokes come out and we are all clipped on waiting for an evening of light wind shenanigans.
