GOLD OAST 160600ZSEP11 SKED

DATE 16.09.11

LAT 33 20.5

LONG 026 05.2

DTR 2215

SKIPPERS BLOG

Conditions aboard Gold Coast Australia this morning far from emulate the

beautiful conditions in our sponsored city Gold Coast. The winds have

backed towards the south earlier than I expected, bringing with it the

coldest conditions we have seen since leaving the UK. Winds have

generally eased slightly, though still require the use of a second reef in

the mainsail which unfortunately means our pride and joy “the boxing

kangaroo” is now tucked in a pouch with only his ears showing above the

boom. One squall this morning at 50 plus knots bought with it hail which

stung our hands and faces like frozen needles as we eased sails and ran

away with the massive gusts of wind.

The changing wind direction has required us to change gears slightly, and

we are no long running with the wind and surfing big waves. Instead we

are power reaching at speed. The change in gears brings a different angle

to life onboard as boat heals over and walls of water fly down the deck

as we punch through the big waves ahead, drenching the people on watch.

Down below the crew can only appreciate the warmth of their sleeping bags

and rest as they know it wont be long until it is their turn to go on

watch.

The mood onboard is surprisingly jovial and there is still the occasional

whoop on deck as we surf down a confused sea and laughter and chatter

below as the crew discuss change in conditions and the ground we are

making on the rest of the fleet. It will be interesting to see what the

next move is for the remainder of the fleet when the change comes. BT