The back end of the fleet have all slowed today, whilst the top four boats are sailing at around 8 - 9 knots. Green Dragon has maintained its lead, whilst Ericsson 3 has lost 20 miles overnight, their sister ship Ericsson 4 has gained 20 miles pushing them up to 4th. Conditions are tricky on the race course, a cloud can spell doom or success depending on what you get. The fleet are not out of the Doldrums yet and the fight to the gate is still on. Current positioning suggest the top three boats will round the gate at Fernando de Noronha off the coast of Brazil on Thursday afternoon.

Tom Braidwood updates us from onboard:
I woke up this morning for my watch with Neal and Justin and Anthony, and I were relieving Phil and Andrew as always. The wind was very light and we had one big cloud to manage. Phil made the mistake of going to the heads (loo) with the front hatch open and it was to inviting to not cool him down with a full bucket of water.

I am sure there will be some pay back, but it will be worth it! After a few gybes and clouds and a little rain, I decided to get a few tasks done, as there were plenty of people to trim and drift.
Starting with the dunny (loo) I got a nice bucket of soapy water and gave it all a good scrub out and now it is looking a treat.

Next on the list, was a little repair on the hinges on the water tight doors, this required a little grinding with some glue and screws. Then on to my other responsibility the engineering. I lifted the covers and did a full check over of all the systems from the charging, to the water maker and hydraulics. All was fine, with everything clean and dry. I decided to give myself a clean, and got out the bucket and soap and had a good wash on deck. I am now in my first set of clean undies (pants) and shirt from the start, feels good but you don't want to rush these things as it could be a long leg.

I am now in my bunk with ipod on listening to Jack Johnson eating a couple of energy bars, lunch today was a fish type freeze dried, and I have to say it wasn't for me!
I am now going to sleep with the little fan on and looking at some photos of my awesome family. I get regular emails from Bindi about Yards and Eamon and I am loving it.

Life is Good
Tom