Storm brewing

RTYC's Triangle race facing tough conditions

As the fleet of the Triangle Race started their second night at sea, heading for Crosshaven in Ireland from the start in Torquay on Sunday, there were two boats in port, and an air of anticipation at the continued gale forecast.

With no compulsory position reporting in this amateur double-handed race, the only voluntary reports from the front of the fleet confirmed the J120 Jalfrezi, and Pyxis the X332 with an all girl crew, had passed Lands End.

Meanwhile the husband and wife team of Graham and Janie Smallridge, sailing their Albin Ballad class Duchess were in Plymouth, having suffered a bad leak around the mast step.

Also sheltering in Penzance is the Swan 40 Bastet, sailed by Paul Rowlinson and Nick Metcalfe, taking prudent precautions in the face of the continued gale forecast, before heading out into the Western Approaches.

Late on Monday evening what appeared to be "the calm before the storm" was hanging over the race area, but forecasts continue to predict the deepening low pressure system would produce gales late on Tuesday.

Jalfrezi, in the hands of Gareth Thomas and Trevor Griffiths reported passing Lands End just after midday, with Kirsteen Donaldson and Mary Sturgess in Pyxis reporting in over two hours later.

Both the boats in port are hoping to re-join the race, with Duchess expected to head straight for Treguier in France, the second stopover of the race, after repairs have been completed, while Bastet will probably go on to Crosshaven.