Both yachts have called in this morning and all is well onboard. Both have reported seeing lots of wildlife and schools of dolphins swimming all around them. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises too, but they are all sick of beating to windward and not being able to lay the rhumbline/track, as some of the yachts ahead have been able to. Jaguar have toilet issues, it keeps getting blocked, and they boys are blaming the girls (or this is what the Skipper says), but I am sure that the girls may have a different story! It’s quite comical to think that Puma has a loo that’s working but limited loo roll and Jaguar have a loo that isn’t working but have tons of loo roll….strange world we sail in!

This is Jaguar’s report from the yacht last night:

“We’re just passing Bull Rock heading north but into some foul tide. I guess Puma Logic is further west and has less foul tide, so pulling away. We’ll be chasing hard!

Everyone is settling down into the watches now and while some have been ill, that seems to be passing and everyone is in good spirit, especially seeing how well we’re doing. The last couple of days have been excellent weather and good progress. Food has been fantastic, so many thanks to Allie for doing such a wonderful job there. Some fantastically beautiful sunsets and moonrises have been witnessed as well as the odd dolphin. No-one complaining about no showers and the baby wipes are doing the job of keeping smells at bay!!! Everyone also took advantage of being in phone range again to contact family and friends.

As you know we broke the jib block on the jib car, but Pete managed to fix it borrowing a bolt from elsewhere on the boat! Nothing fallen down yet, so guess it wasn’t too important. Don’t think that it cost us much time as we just tacked over while repairing it. Nothing else broken, apart from a cupboard door but that’ll be fixed soon. A bit of water is coming in in various places, but nothing that can’t be sorted with a bucket and sponge. Ali broke the heads today, much to Pete’s delight! and was close to be uncharacteristically sick. Pete is working on revenge!”

On Puma there seems to be a budding romance onboard…..all due to marmite sandwiches apparently……not quite sure exactly what is going on but will try to get it out of them next time they call! Philippe is working hard to try and close the gap on Mostly Harmless and Magnum, and has definitely got the bit between his teeth.

On calling in, it is obvious both crews are working very hard but really enjoying it out there. Laughter was heard from both yachts which is great, and now that they are into the 5th day, watch systems will be in full swing, sleep deprivation sorted out and limited seasickness left. You will have no doubt noticed that on the race website there has been more retirements during the night; all the yachts and crew are fine but shows that this race is hard and not for the fainthearted! I think our guys (and girls!) are doing a fantastic job so far….very proud!