RACE 12 - DAY 9 SKIPPER REPORT

Finally some wind and some very complex tactics in hand. Left has more breeze but the angle is ten degrees different to boats on the right and further south. If the breeze difference is not enough they'll do well. If the forecast is correct the boats on the left will thrive. Caveat we have a new forecast in a few hours that tends to be altogether different from the one before.

It’s a pleasure to be racing amongst the fleet once more. The Qingdao spirit is very much alive. We never really lost form. We had a fast passage across the Pacific, caught up many miles in the race to Panama and were in the leading group to the 100 mile wind hole in this race. Now we seek to reel in the competition in front whilst attempting to play some tactics against those behind. Well just sailing the course really but it all sounds good. I don’t honestly believe there's enough race course after the wind hole for overtaking, however there’s ample propensity to lose places to those behind, so we are a little apprehensive at this point.

On board today, Maisie went up the mast for the first time to uncross the halyards, so we could peel spinnakers. How awesome. She has been getting along with the team very nicely and has nestled herself into her place in the team.

So we have entered the Bermuda Triangle and apparently have disappeared. There have been some weird occurrences. The windex is spinning uncontrollably, the clocks are going backwards and I'm writing to you from a timeless place in an alternative universe ruled by super monkeys wearing capes.

Looking forward to arriving at the picturesque island of Bermuda and sipping on a few cocktails if we ever reappear??!

I'm going to leave it at that today. Until we return tomorrow, wish us luck that we teleport to a faster place...