What a torrid 12 hours we have had. The wind speed and direction has born no relation to the forecasts and this, coupled with our fleet position and desire to get some leverage on the boats ahead, has lead to a big loss.

As we positioned ourselves to the east of the fleet in anticipation of a big right shift, the wind went 30 degrees left. Camper instantly gained around 10 miles. Fortunately we are now back on track and seemed to have played the last three shifts much better to hopefully stay in touch with Camper.

As we head north the wind is lifting and increasing so this also favours those boats ahead to make gains. Right now the wind is building fast (we have 19 knots) and there is a feeling of anticipation about the 48 hours of strong wind ahead. It will soon be time to wake everyone up and change to a smaller headsail.

Azzam and her crew are in good shape and we are spurred on by the thought that our arrival in Sanya is potentially only three days away. For the first time all leg we are all now reaching for foul weather gear as the amount of water coming over the deck is increasing. I would be lying if I said I was not apprehensive about our mast and rigging, but all the signs are that things should be OK. The big test will be when we go for the J4 heavy weather jib and two reefs for the first time since stepping this spare mast.