Tight finish to Hobart
The gap is closing for the leading trio, Abhilash is the first to get wind from the low-pressure crossing Hobart today and gained 40 miles on Kirsten who is herself 150 miles from Simon! Predictions are difficult as the entry into Tasmania is so unpredictable, but an overnight arrival for Simon and a lead trio within 300 miles is not impossible. That’s a 1% gap over half a round-the-world trip.
Behind, it’s not a quiet ride either! Jeremy at 43°S is letting the low pressure go through to his south, while Cpt. Gugg, 133 nm/day this morning, is preparing for it later today. The mid-fleet has no other plans for the festive season but to sail down the long swell of the southern ocean: they’re getting 25/30 knots of wind minimum until Monday!
At the back of the fleet, it’s a mixed bag. Elliott, whose rig can only sail under two reefs and staysail, is caught up in a high pressure that will trap him until Sunday. Ian is counting the days until Christmas but the nautical miles also: he broke his 7-day distance record -again- this morning: 1022.35!
In Chichester Class, Guy is struggling to leave South Africa, 9 miles progress towards the Hobart gate only since yesterday.
