GOLD COAST 070600ZAUG11 SKED

LAT 32 34.0s
LONG 114 40.2e
DTF 3640nm
ETA 0600 25 Nov 11

WEATHER Wind 290@27kts gusting to 31 and oscilating 20 degrees. Sea 5
Swell 280@3m and 200@2m Barro 1009.8 Cloud 5/8 Cl isolated showers

Goldcoast Australia is off to another magnificent start to Race 5. It was
a very exciting start to the race as Goldcoast and New York jossled for
the pin end of the line. New York sailed well to tack ahead of us and be
first to the top mark. By the thrid mark Goldcoast managed to win back
first position in the fleet and we have remained in first place as we make
our way down the west coast of Australia towards Cape Leeuwin.

Forecasted winds and currents are looking very good for this leg and it is
predicted that we well arrive in earlier than expected. It is hoped that
this leg in the Southern ocean will not be as cold as the last leg and we
will have some good down wind and surfing action for the majority of the
race.

At the moment we are chargin down the coast with winds on our beam and
since escaping the lee of the reefs that run up the West Coast of
Australia north of Rotnest Island we have seen a substantial increase in
sea state and swell making for some very exciting sailing and big waves.
Just as I was writing this blog the yacht smashed through a massive wave
and I poked my head up the companion way to see the cockpit full of water.

With the increase in sea and swell conditions we have now altered our
route slightly to give Cape Leeuwin a wider berth by trying to stay
outside the 200m coutour. Once around Leeuwin with the swell and wind
behind us we can expect some exciting running and surfing conditions all
the way to Tasmania.