Melbourne to Osaka Double Handed Race 30.4.13 0600hrs

Funnelweb arrived at Hokko Yacht Harbour at 0400 AEST

Turbulence had 155nm to go at 0600 this morning and Paul sent us this latest report.

Gday All, a little update just too let you all know that we were averaging 9-10knots boatspeed all of last night but couldnt get over 5 knots SOG it is currently 6 knots of current against us at times but minimal of 5 knots to say it's depressing is again an understatement I went and changed headsail from 2 -3 last night and thought I would let Eric rest down below 20 mins later I was as soaked as could be and even grumpier then any could imagine! We have about 160 miles to finish and judging by last night they not going to be easy! Hope Thursday we arrive! Cheers Paul

Turbulence's plot over the last 24hrs.       David Taylor.

Kiss Goodbye to MS and Southern Cross are on their way to the party! 

Melbourne to Osaka Double Handed Race 2013. 29/04/13. 0600

Gusto finally crossed the finish line just after 3.00 am, after a slow trip up Osaka Bay, and was welcomed by a large group despite the hour. It was a frustrating final 200 miles for Brian and Greg who’d expected to arrive 24 hours before until the wind direction put that out of reach.

Funnelweb is 100 miles from Osaka with a moderate westerly and a flat sea, while Turbulence is another 120 miles back - “Sea flat as a tack expecting another slow day ahead”. The wind is forecast to go south west at 20 knots during the day, so hopefully that will get them moving again.

Kiss Goodbye to MS has moved to about 50 miles ahead of Southern Cross, who has just over 600 miles to Osaka. All crews have reported they’re in good health.

If the breeze comes in as forecast Funnelweb should finish by tonight; their tracker position will not be updated until we get another satphone message from them.

Melbourne to Osaka Double Handed Race 2013. 28/4/13. 1800

Gusto’s making slow progress towards Yuraseto, the narrow entrance to Osaka Bay, still with over 40 miles to go to the finish. It’s been a frustrating couple of days for Brian and Greg, with the finishing line getting close, but not as soon as they hoped. Now they have to contend with the heavy shipping traffic as it gets dark.

Funnelweb and Turbulence are both in light north to north easterlies. Turbulence says they’ve had a sunny afternoon with a light breeze and flat water, currently making less than 5 knots of boat speed. The wind for both boats is likely to stay light overnight, then turn south west and gradually freshen tomorrow. Both crews report that they’re in good health.

Kiss Goodbye to MS and Southern Cross are still in a loose formation, now with less than 700 miles to go and also both reporting fit and healthy.

Gusto’s position on the plotter will update every hour until they finish.

Melbourne to Osaka Double Handed Race 2013. 28/4/13 0600

Gusto still has about 80 miles to go and the wind direction is not playing the game. At 6.00 am they were still trying to lay the entrance to Osaka Bay in a north westerly wind. The forecast is for a south westerly during the day, so they may get to free off in the next few hours.

Funnelweb reports both crew in good health, a flat sea and a 17 knot northerly – a huge contrast to the same time yesterday morning!

Turbulence also in fine conditions, wind WNW at 11 and a 1 metre swell.

Kiss Goodbye to MS and Southern Cross are both now less than 800 miles from Osaka and still relatively close together.

Gusto can look forward to a big welcome when they arrive later today. This is Brian’s third Osaka Race and they’ve all thrown up different challenges.