Three through the gate, and one more tonight!
Kirsten sailed into Cape Town in second position last night, under spinnaker and glowing with happiness after two months at sea. She was four miles ahead of Tapio, who arrived an hour later in Granger Bay, rejuvenated and happy, but happier in the open sea than close to the shore. Both left during the night, with a 15 miles lead for Tapio this morning, whereas Simon is in typical southern conditions.
Pat is expected tonight, unable to repair at sea, pondering about the next stage of his journey, which he would complete in Chichester Class, although his aim was to be the first Irishman to complete a solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation. Expected tomorrow evening, the “Rustler Brothers” are the fastest in the fleet this morning with 164 miles for Damien and 154 for Abhilash, who should arrive in South Africa shortly before the Frenchman.
Both are gaining on the rest of the fleet, although Michael, Ertan, Jeremy and Elliott are hanging in the same system, up to 130 miles per day. Behind them, Ian, Arnaud and Guy are caught up in light airs and are making do with 60 miles since yesterday, averaging 2.5 knots. It’s going to be a long week for them.
