GOLD COAST 020600ZAPR12 SKED – SANFRANSISCO TO PANAMA

LAT 11 25.32 N
LONG 88 48.62 W
RACE FINISHED
ETA PANAMA 06 May
COG 125
SOG 7.3

At 0844 UTC 01 MAY 12 accompanied by dolphins gliding amongst the phosphorescence, Gold Coast Australia crossed the Remedios gate in position 12 41.9N 090 37.6W. Subject to confirmation from the race office, Gold Coast Australia has now won our 8th race in the 11/12 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Everybody was very excited about the win and there was a short celebration on deck including a toast to Gold Coast Australia and her crew and a few of our favourite tunes playing from the deck speakers. Before the sun was hinting of being up only a few remained on deck, the rest of the crew collapsing in bed, exhausted from the heat of racing over the past few days.

Sneaking up under the radar was Welcome to Yorkshire who made a stunning comeback utilising the winds to the south. Rupert and his team sailed a fantastic final chapter in their race picking the gradient pressure to the south well.

Shortly after crossing the line the wind dropped off completely. As we drifted waiting for the sun could come up, so I could check the prop for fishing lines in the daylight before commencing the motor to Panama, I sat on the deck watching the sunrise and reflecting on the race so far (Reflections of the race so far to follow over the coming days).

The day was spent changing Gold Coast Australia from race mode to cruising mode and conducting maintenance. All the sails were checked over and repairs made before we finished the day with a cooling swim and celebratory drink of champaign, toasting our King Neptune and our win on a sea that now resembles a mirror.