News

The fleet restored some progress to the race as they collectively moved just over 250nm, a little under10nm per crew. Progress was again mixed, as the low pressure continues to move east over the Atlantic, today however it was the turn of the leading crews to benefit more, while the crews towards the back of the fleet suffered as the conditions pass over them.

Now that Charlie Pitcher has finished, the attention now turns to QBE Insurance Challenger and Karukera and to whether they can stave of a attack from the other chasing pairs and fours behind them.

The latest bout of poor weather has damaged a lot of the crews psychologically – with many having used their para-anchors yet again. QBE Insurance Challenger confirmed they had been on para-anchor having tired immensely hard to avoid such action.

Dave Brooks has recently confirmed how hard he is finding it, but has been on the phone to Peter Van Kets, and has referred to him as his life coach. Having raced in the 2007 event in the pairs category, Pete has first hand knowledge of both the psychological and physical requirement for success and will no doubt have offered invaluable advice to Dave.

Roger Haines on the other hand manages yet again to put a positive spin on events. Having enjoyed Christmas and belated birthday celebrations a couple of days ago, Roger was lucky enough to open some gifts. One of which was grow it yourself Desert Island Tree, sadly however he didn’t quite manage to nurture it successfully and has since given the tree a watery grave.

The weather forecast seems to change with each passing day. Early analysis now suggests crews may have a return to favourable conditions over the next few days – and as always, the further south crews are, the more favourable, or less unfavourable conditions should be.