No present from Santa for JAMAICA

Following the snow which fell upon the fleet at the start of this race we were hoping for an early present from Father Christmas to help JAMAICA on their way. Sadly, it appears Santa has not delivered a boost as the 06:00 posting this morning showed.

Currently in 10th and some 125 miles off the lead we have not been able to keep pace with the rest of the fleet. As we know JAMAICA had problems on day 2 of the race with an anchor wrap around the keel which severely delayed us but at this stage, and without any communications from the crew on board, we do not know why she is lagging behind.

Indeed if one looks at the race viewer at the top of the page it is clear that JAMAICA is following the same course as the other boats which means that her slow progress can not be down to tactics ..... regrettably something is awry.

The predicted northerly wind has increased and the fleet is tearing down the Yellow Sea covering nearly 250 nautical miles per day.

The current winds should propel the fleet of ten internationally-backed 68-foot racing yachts out of the Yellow Sea past the southern tip of Japan and into the Pacific Ocean over the next 48 hours or so.

Joff Bailey, Race Director, says, “The majority of skippers are reporting that they are either using a poled out headsail or are risking their heavy weight spinnakers as they break through the 20 knot boat speed barrier with one skipper reporting more than 22 knots.”

As soon as we can make contact with JAMAICA readers of these pages will be the first to know.