Reports from race director Don Fraser say winds were around the 15 knot mark for the race start dropping quickly to around 10 knots, and after a 10 minute delay due to commercial traffic through the heads, the fleet got off to “a lively start”. No report of any incidents.
 |
| The view of Queenscliff during daylight hours |
There were no late withdrawals, and at this early stage Jason Van Der Slot and the crew of Calm are at the head of the fleet, approximately 122nm from the finish.
The whole fleet has gone out west of the rhumbline, hoping to catch an afternoon easterly which will bring them back in to Stanley.
Don says due to the weak winds luck could play a big part this morning, but if the forecast easterlies eventuate later today it will give smaller boats a chance to close the gap on the frontrunners.
Matt Fahey skippering Primitive Cool is closest behind the leader for the moment, running further west, with the pack of Benetau first 40s hot on their heels.
On the westernmost edge of the course Gusto, with skipper Brian Pattinson, and Steven Richardson on Local Mocean are almost level with Primitive Cool, waiting for the current winds, sitting around five knots and shifting from SSE to SSW, to gain a bit more momentum.
Dry White skipper Simon Dryden reports that the weather is fine but the going is a touch on the slow side, “but one can never complain when there is no water over
the deck.”
Let’s hope those easterlies blow in and get some wind in everyone’s sails.
To watch the progress on your screen click here.
