A small divergence as they clear The Prom. Race update 18 March 7.30 am
Day 2 sees the main fleet taking a small divergence on their route as they round Wilson Promontory.
Three key factors come into play: the transition from westerlies to northerlies, the East Australian Current, and the potential for strong northerly winds as they turn north.
The northern fleet may opt to stay further north to catch the new breeze first, cut the corner, and then head northeast to hook into the northerly set of the East Australian Current.
Meanwhile, the southern fleet might take advantage of the stronger existing breeze with fast sails up, aiming to slingshot into the large current eddy guarding the eastern side of Bass Strait—setting themselves up for a favourable angle into the East Australian Current.
We asked our resident weather expert, Rod Smallman, to point out the areas of weather for consideration when deciding which strategy to use.
1️⃣ Wind transition
2️⃣ East Australian Current
3️⃣ Strong northerlies
Meanwhile, those in the Coral Sea are enjoying champagne conditions, charging north with glamorous, broad-reaching, and downwind sailing!
Check back in and keep an eye on the tracker as they settle into a good pattern and the reality that this is an endurance race where pacing yourself and getting rest will be critical.
Follow the race via the Tracker.