BT diary update by Andy Magrath on LG Flatron

The frustrations continue as they tack through the Canaries

Although passing the Canary Islands means that we are closer to home, the islands are proving to be very frustrating indeed. The wind is bang on the nose. Compaq are to the east, Logica, ourselves and others are to the west. Neither tack seems favourable and tactical decisions are difficult.
We had an interesting start to the watch with the wind going from 6-30 knots in the space of a few minutes. Our watch were still eating breakfast when Conrad called for Dickon myself and Lizzie to come on deck. We feared the worst along the lines of a shredded Genoa but it was not as bad as it seemed and we were required as extra hands on deck for a frenetic headsail drop and to put a couple of reefs in the main.

This leg of the race has been incredibly taxing so far. Not so much physically but mentally. Lack of wind up the African Coast, the Doldrums and now tacking through the Canaries. It is times such as these that the crew can become low and somewhat despondent, especially when our position is not as high as we would wish.

Progress is slow and we have to really dig deep to keep the motivation going. If we were cruising these would be wonderful sailing conditions in 15 knots of wind with the sun shining. But there is a yacht race to win and competing is always on our minds. Perhaps we need a little bit of luck or a few gained miles when the next list of positions comes through. Between these times we all have to dig deep and keep our concentration. It is not that far until the end of the leg but in terms of the final result there is a long way to go yet or as Cian would say 'a few more throws of the dice'

All the best Andrew