Tuesday 22.30 Ran: Land o-hoy! - we have Lands Ends off Port Beam - we told you we'll be back. For the last 4H we have been sailing side by side to the Open 60 BT. They are very fast downwind in the about 13-15 knots that we have had so they closed in on us across the Celtic Sea. Although they are racing their own race who would want to be passed by BT? - we won't for sure! We have continuesly had a fresh breeze of about 12-16 knots now and we are doing 11-16 knots - you even know without looking at the instruments since Ran's keel is humming at that speed (we love that sound) We have also got into some lovely tide which will be turning behind us. We just had some instant coffee which is one of the new things we have on Ran for this race - it's been very welcome among the team despite the extra weight ;-). Checking on our competitors we are doing well keeping Luna Rossa (who is what we are most worried about) behind us with about 30 miles on the rhumb line and Rosebud a few miles behind them. Beau Geste got into the new preassure and the tide before us so they have stepped away from us a bit, on corrected time we are well ahead of them however :-) - So life is good on Ran for the moment apart from the stress that they may catch up. Next critical moment will be the tidal gate at The Lizards. Our plan is for that gate to slam shut after we have passed ;-) Please Wind don't die out on us again before Plymouth as you did before we reached Fastnet - our nerves can't handle it.
