GOLD COAST 170600ZSEP11 SKED

dATE 17.09.11

LAT 35 10.8S

LONG 022 11.0w

DTR 1999 (Lets party like its 1999)

SKIPPERS BLOG

As the wind continues to back and moderate Gold coast Australia is

beginning to sail higher angles to the wind and slower progress to

Capetown. Because we are the most southeasterly boat in the fleet the

changing pressure affects us earlier than the other boats. Unfortunately

this will mean that as the wind continues to back and we start sailing

north again the boats to the northeast of us will make significant gains

until the wind starts to veer again. Gold coasts original tactics had us

sailing to the south of the high pressure system that dominates the

weather at the moment however due to its movement to the west this option

is becoming less and less available and we must create a contingency plan.

Though the wind is generally moderating it is still very unstable and we

are still experiencing the odd squall, some of which carry hail which

would provide fantastic ice for our drinks after each watch if it was hot.

Thought the windward course brings new challenges including living on a 15

degree angle and constant streams of water over the deck making the crew

wet and cold, moral is still high and there is still time for a bit of a

laugh between teammates as we punch through another big wave. Team

Gold coast is currently relishing in the current conditions and making the

most of the windy conditions as we know that it wont last and in a couple

of days we will be drifting around, becalmed with the crack crack crack of

the flapping mainsail as the boat rolls to the swell in no wind. BT