Struggling in the South Atlantic

An update on the progress of Geronimo

Day 47
Position at 2317GMT: 32°52S 42°35W
24 hour passage: 200.25miles
Average speed: 8.34 knots

After making reasonable progress up the South American coast over the weekend, Geronimo speed has slowed today and they have covered just 200 miles in the last 24 as they tackle upwind conditions due east of the entrance of the River Plate. As a result of this Cheyenne's virtual lead has extended to 828 miles while their position relative to Orange at the end of her day 47shows the French trimaran to be just 150 miles ahead now, although comparing the two boat's performances is not accurate as Orange's track up the South Atlantic was way to the east.

However the forecast is looking better for Geronimo. Over the next 24 hours she should be free of the high pressure system that lies to her her east the wind will veer to the east and she should soon be feeling the effects of the northeasterly trades - much further south than Cheyenne encountered them.

In the meantime the crew must put up with light upwind conditions that has seen them tacking two or three times an hour. “Given the winds we have, we’re going quickly!" commented skipper Olivier de Kersauson. "It’s okay, but it’s not great. On the other hand, I keep telling myself that statistically at least, we can’t have a worse time in the Atlantic than we had last year. Which is kind of reassuring...”.

The crew is taking advantage of this light weather to catch up on some regular maintenance and repair work. Quite a lot of the boat’s equipment is showing signs of wear and needs replacement. The winches are being dismantled in-situ in the cockpit and serviced. The only main concern are her new sails, which continue to demand days of re-stitching. The solent the principle headsail for the conditions they are currently experiencing has just failed for the second time.

“In a day or two, when everything is repaired and we’ve had a bit of sleep the crew will even be able to have a wash in fresh water...” says de Kersauson philosophically.