Mr Lucky

Francis Joyon heads for the Brazilian coast to remain in favourable winds

Position at 05:58: 30deg 21.68'S 42deg 52.96' W
Distance from start: 21558.15 nautical miles
Speed/course: 12.52 knots /044°

Over the last 24 hours Francis Joyon has sailed another 300 miles closer to the Brest finish line on what at present looks set to be one of the most remarkable round the world voyages ever.

At present the course of his 90ft trimaran is heading directly towards Rio de Janiero some 450 miles away. Yesterday Joyon said that he would be heading towards the coast. Joyon is either being incredibly skillful or very lucky, because the current weather scenario indicated that he should continue to be sailing in strong southeasterlies between a high pressure system off the mouth of the River Plate and a northwest-southeast orientated low located just to the north of Rio, for another 48 hours.
This depression will be the biggest influence on condition 24 hours hence and if Joyon is lucky it will remain offshore just enough to create a narrow band of southerly breeze he can sail up which could see him right until Sunday, by which time he should be half way between Rio and Salvador.