GOLD COAST 280600ZJUN12 SKED – HALIFAX – DERRY

LAT 54 30.6N
LONG 010 28.5W
DTF 144nm
ETA 0500 29 Jun 12
SOG 9kts
COG 060

WEATHER Wind 200@2kts, Sea Calm, confused 1/2M, Cloud 8/8 fog, Baro 997

Gold Coast Australia hit light winds this morning in the final stages of the race as we become sandwiched between two low pressure systems and the Irish coast.

After a fantastic reach up the coast yesterday the wind backed to the east in the evening forcing us to drop our spinnaker in exchange for our biggest white sail the Y1.

We have done a number of sail changes this morning to try to keep the boat moving, including hoisting our newly repaired light weight spinnaker. The shape looked perfect and one would not even know it has been repaired. Well done Deb, Babs, Gina and Vesna for their expert repair. We are now left becalmed 50nm North East of Eagle Island in the approaches of Donegal Bay where the surfers are no doubt taking advantage of the glassy swells produced by this low pressure system.

Now the wind has filled in again from the SSW and with 12-13kts we are flying along towards Tory Island. The wind has just come in time as the tide is about to turn and we will need the extra boost to fight the 2kts against us. Once around Tory Island the tide will swing again and carry us towars the finish.

It is quite tactical and quite tricky sailing up a coast line that I am unfamiliar with and I don’t want to go too close for fear of being caught amongst the strong tidal systems and also fear of getting into the lee of the Irish hills. This wind (or lack of) was expected and will undoubtedly hit the yachts behind us to the east as well, so hopefully we can maintain our lead as we coast the final 150nm towards the finish.

I am expecting Gold Coast Australia to finish some time early tomorrow morning and we are all very excited about our arrival in
Derry-Londonderry and look foward to morning breakfast Guinness.