"It's clear that the Doldrums can sometimes widen the gap, but the fleet will be grouped together, so I don't think it is likely that we'll see any major upsets.  The positions will simply be squashed up. The first one in will be the first one out, as there's very little difference in longitude. In terms of latitude however, Jean is 200 miles to the east, way over yonder.  The others are 70 or 80 miles away. All of the routes will tend to converge." Vincent Riou (PRB) on today's radio session.

 

"The high pressure that has captured me has my full attention. A bit of bad luck on my part had me sitting becalmed yesterday and last night for long periods. In my anxiousness to get around Cape Finisterre, I think I cut the corner just a bit too tight as the wind hole there will be one to be remembered. I've always said that light air and no wind is much more stressful than too much wind. As I jibed south this morning, the wind is slowly building from 4 knots and the weather files show it gradually building to 15 knots from the North East.  It's a long race and I will be able to catch up at certain points for sure. I will certainly try hard knowing that all the supporters back in Canada are watching. "

"It's getting warmer as I head south, it's 26 C inside the cabin  today so almost time to take off a mid layer but it's much cooler on deck, especially in the shade. It won't be long before I'll be into shorts.  I had a visit from a large pod of dolphins just before sunset yesterday. There must have been 50 or more, all playing around the boat. They always cheer me up as they look like they are having so much fun. More tomorrow. "

Derek Hatfield (Algimouss Spirit of Canada)


 

"I've got 25 knots of wind and Cheminées Poujoulat is sailing downwind with the sea just about cross enough to make it a bit tricky.  There's a lot to do out on deck, but we're making good headway.  I'm trying to sail cleanly, making as few mistakes as possible.  I'm hoping to move up a few places, as there are a few boats within my grasp.  After for the others, that's a different story. However, there's a long way to go and a lot of complicated weather patterns ahead, so nothing is impossible. "  Bernard Stamm (Cheminées Poujoulat) on today's radio session.

 

Please accept our apologies for the delay in bringing you this morning's 11h rankings.  
The rankings and race tracker have now been updated.

"I can see PRB a mile downwind of me. He got back up with me during the night.  I think I didn't have the spinnaker well trimmed early on , but now I'm off again. He's a good hare to be chasing after today! The major problem is the shift in the wind this morning. The weather is not very certain and the forecasts contradict each other. Between two different forecasts, it's black and white.  It's going to take a lot of reflection to find the right route through the Cape Verde Islands without falling into their shadow. We're more than 60 miles from Cape Verde, but you can still find wind holes.  A complicated day ahead! " Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec Virbac 2)

 

"Daybreak over BritAir.  The sun is finding it difficult to peek through the clouds, but it's already hot. Some kamikaze flying fish landed on the deck during the night and I've been counting the bits of mess they have left behind. We can just see to our left the Cape Verde Islands and the port of Mindelo (memories of a forced stopover there last year...).
Thought I could hear some music from Cape Verde in the distance last night and maybe even Cesaria Evora...unless I was dreaming...
To keep it short. Am gliding south at the start of this second week and soon time to think about how to approach the Doldrums. We'll see once the conclave has made its judgement."
Armel Le Cléac'h on BritAir