2002

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Ocean Planet Report
Ocean Planet Around Alone Log
1220gmt Friday, October 18, 2002
Pos: 41 53N, 11 24W hdg 071T@9kts, wind SE@15-20

Short storm layover planned…

Well, first I thought we were stopping in Portugal, but it is actually Spain. Brad is there already (he headed straight there a while ago), and has scoped out the approach for the rest of us on the way.

I have about 110 miles, upwind, to get there, and am hoping to arrive before the wind really starts cranking. I don’t envy Bernard, Thierry, Emma, and Graham at all, as this weather system is a real doozy. Bernard, in the lead, has already dove towards the center of the low and must be seeing some rather interesting conditions! Tactically, if he makes it to the other side he will be off at high speed to the south with the shift to the west, then later northwest so he will be able to bear off. But it will be REALLY rough. Best of luck and wishes for safety to all of them while I get ready to chase them again in a couple days. Believe it or not there is still a class one boat behind me, Simone Bianchetti on Tiscali, who had to stop in France to work on his autopilots. He and I can race each other later and try to catch up together.

In the light air last night, I was able to hoist the messed up working jib and sort it out. So that is what I have up, and now I have just put in the 2nd reef in the main. A little early perhaps, but it could be snortin’ later on and I’m still moving fine.

Hmmm….looks like night time arrival. Glad Brad is already there, I might have to wake him up!

Thinking,
Bruce