Melbourne Osaka Double Handed Yacht Race. Latest from the 0600 sked 17/4/2013

Escapade has shaken off the calms to record a credible 71 miles overnight. Most of the yachts have had reasonable breeze of 8 to 14 kts but light weather still plagues Kiss Goodbye to MS and Southern Cross as Yasu sadly reports later of engine use. Optimus Prime is now just 93 miles behind Escapade-seems Escapade is the marker-Wasabi 132 miles, Cadibarra 146 miles and Gusto now 496. Comments have a definite feel for the finish is in sight and it seems to be developing into a thrilling finish. Really! just two Sydney-Hobarts to go!-RFH

Lozza from Spirit of Downunder reported early this morning (0130)"they were having problems with internet and email access so were using sms. "After a good three hours kip we are approx 130 miles NW of Guam which we passed about mid-day yesterday and enjoyed US-style FM radio. Tonight is a gorgeous starry night with 10-13 kts NNE. Mr moon has been and gone but is balmy with a warmish breeze and considerably reduced humidity making for very pleasant conditions.

Soon be there, only 1245 nm to Osaka Bay entrance." Laurie.

Yasu from Southern Cross reports 

"Yesterday the wind we’d been praying for had not arrived.
So at 00:35 this morning I’m afraid I started the engine. We are still in the Doldrums, yet to cross the equator and looking at the forecasts these current conditions appear to continue.

We’ll head north under power until we find the trade winds and once we find them we’ll commence sailing again.
Please continue to follow our progress."

Melbourne Osaka Double-Handed 2013  1900 16/4

A few jottings from the positions at 1900 which I am sure many others are playing with. I selected just three boats as representative of what is happening.

Escapade seems to have a bad day. At the 0600 sked she was 202 miles ahead of Optimus Prime, 228 ahead of Wasabi and 708 ahead of Gusto.

  At 1900 hrs she was 108 ahead of Optimus Prime, 151 ahead of Wasabi and 586 ahead of Gusto. The weather ahead in the next 3 days looks very interesting for the leaders and the systems are changing rapidly. Lots of technology on board but only as useful as the accuracy of the forecasts!  and this is Spring there! Longer term Spring forecasts here have a lesser reliability and similar in Japan with the added Continental influence. The closer to Osaka, the less options available! Very interesting-RFH