14 November, 2013 14:57

As I woke this morning after what I saw as a very tough start for the fleet and a tough day for Richard. As the night went on the conditions didn’t improve……. there has been quite a few retirements and forced pitstops. One of the first was the ARGO of Joel Miro who had rudder damage after an impressive start. We hope that he can get restarted ASAP………..Next was Ian Lapinsky who was involved in the battle to win the abandoned first leg. Ian and Richard fought it out for two days – we all know what happened there. Ian was dis-masted and his race is over……..
Then at about midnight last night Richard was trying to control the conditions as best he could – reaching speeds in excess of 16-17 knots on big unsettled waves when he crossed paths with an ocean fishing boat which was heading to port…….. This was fine but the huge wake that followed took Richard by complete surprise and he hit it at nearly full speed, the boat launched completely out of the water…….. In Richards words " the boat was completely airborne "……..
On impact which was huge Richard heard a strange noise and decided then and there to head in for a look……..
Richard arrived in Port De Baiona on the Spanish – Portugal border.
Richard has done a close inspection of the boat and cant see any major damage but to be sure he will lift the boat this morning to check everything.
In short it is a precautionary measure that I believe shows pure seamanship and intelligence in a race that has over 3500 miles to go…………..
All going well Richard will resume at his 12 hour time slot this afternoon…………..
Its not over…..!!!!