Calm after the storm

Miranda Merron reports from 40 Degrees

Friday 25 May 2008
Time of Position : 0800 GMT
Latitude 41 28.19' N Longitude 53 56.88' W
Ranking : 4th
Average Speed : 6.1 knots
Miles To Leader : 120
Miles To Boat Ahead : 43
Miles To Marblehead : 750.6
Sponsors Of The Day : 50W St James’s Place; J-UK Yachts, 51W BP Oil Terminal, 52W Violette et Salome, 53W Petit Navire

After a fortnight of incredibly close racing in the Class 40 fleet, there is no let up for Miranda, who is battling it out with fellow Brit Alex Bennett who is just 12 miles behind.

Alex has recently reported problems with his headsail furling gear, but there is no sign of him loosing miles because of it…yet. After enduring Friday’s “terrifying” storm (as described by Vendée Globe sailor Parnaudeau), the fleet are now negotiating yet another low pressure system with frustratingly low winds forecast. Miranda rang in yesterday and said despite the light winds, the sea state was still big and you could hear her slamming into the waves as she spoke..she was on good form and just needing to hear a little news about the 'normal world'. A sign that a fortnight at sea, alone, can get a little lonely..

“Nearly two weeks since the start, and Fuji is only a handful of miles behind! It was a gorgeous day yesterday, tight reaching in light air. I spent a couple of hours inspecting the boat for damage after its battering. I didn't find anything major, and some semblance of order has been restored. One of the rubbish bags exploded in the heavy weather, but fortunately there isn't anything too revolting in it.

"It has been a slow night, getting lighter and lighter, and I inadvertently fell asleep without the alarm on. Not sure that was brilliant for boat speed. I have also just set a new record for slowest sail change to date. Must sleep. And eat more.

“The weather ahead is looking challenging - there is a new low forming right now in the path of the fleet, and so it will be light and fickle trying to get through to the other side, and probably a few nasty surprises under some clouds. There appears to be no way round it, so will be interesting to see who comes out best. On Tuesday, it looks like we are being treated to lots of wind, then not sure as it keeps changing. The last 750 miles are going to be hard work! Must go and steer.

“Thank you to the following degrees:
50W J-UK - Hello all - MC, they wouldn't let us near the ice this time!
51W - BP Oil Terminal – thanks for second time!
52W Violette, Salome & Robin – bonjour et bises!
53W Petit Navire - sponsors of the Grand Prix Petit Navire in Douarnenez, 40 Degrees first event this year - highly recommended.

“PS - It's true, at one stage yesterday, this small but perfectly formed cumulobeastie was the only cloud in the sky.

Miranda/ 40 Degrees
41 29 N 54 06 W

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COMPANIES, INDIVIDUALS and DOGS SPONSORING MIRANDA:
MT Waters, Ancasta, Grapefruit Graphics, GRIB US, The BP Oil Terminal, Musto, The Bugle, Skandia Team GBR, Southern Daily Echo, Health Unlimited, The Volvo Ocean Race, The Merron Clan, Batfish, Audierne Maritime, Dubarry Shoes, Champagne G.H. Mumm, Hamble River Sailing Club, Point Source, Stag Gates Garage & Marine, Sail TV, Bonne Bouche, Notty, PG Colby, ML Controls, Hamble River Authority, Hampshire County Council, Hamble River Sailing Club, CDP, The Moloney Clan, Chanic, St James Place, Sailing Logic Ltd, Topsham Sailing Club, Cuppa Cino, www.thedailysail.com , The Thompsons, BP Shipping Ltd, J-UK Yachts, Rivacom, Petit Navire, The Royal Southern Yacht Club, Hamble Rage, Batfish, Osprey Racing Yachts, Societe des Regates de Douarnez, Diverse Yacht Services, Activ, Esso, Owen Clarke Design, The Marsays, Lowford Clinic
Dog Sponsors: Salty, Beatle, Sen