We have been bashing up against the cold front for days now and I have had enough! Each time we gain on it, we get under the clouds, the rain starts, the wind drops or shifts thereby making it impossible to maintain progress and the front gains on us and moves ahead.

As the front has advanced further east in the south, those yachts positioned to the south have been able to make better progress, but let us not forget we have to turn north at some point and we still have to cross the front!

One saving grace right now is that the waves have dropped – last night was a tough night bashing into steep head-seas praying the masthead spinnaker would stay in one piece – not to mention the halyard locks and the mast of course!

Life onboard Azzam is very calm right now after a manic four hours of sail changes. It is 1am I have just enjoyed ‘roast chicken’ freeze dried style and I am looking forward to getting into a bunk soon. With smoother seas I may be able to sleep tonight!