GOLD COAST 090600ZOCT11 SKED

9/10
LAT 40 02.7S
LONG 27 29.0E
DTR 4200
ETA 0600 28 Oct 11

SKIPPERS BLOG

In the past few hours Goldocast Australia passed 40 degrees south and
entered the southern ocean at about the same time the wind dropped 10kts.

The last 24 hours we have seen extremely shifty conditions with wind
direction varying 60 degrees and wind strength varying from 10 to 20
knots. These conditions have made sailing very challenging, and the crew
are constantly re trimming and adjusting course to maintain our boatspeed
so we can stay ahead of the pack.

Because we have been forced to stay north due to the lingering high
pressure system we are basically sailing in a different direction and
different wind to the other boats further south. If we were to head south
to cover our opposition we would simply fall into a big wind hole and
stop. Our only option is to head east to the and hope that we can
maintain our lead in the process.

Whilst the conditions are frustrating there is still time for a few good
laughs onboard, and with 18 people, the saloon represented a cross between
popular wine bar and a cage of monkeys last night at dinner time as people
chatted while swaying on their feet and swinging from the rafters (or hand
rails) under the ambiance of red light.