Dawn Star's Fastnet Race was well begun in fifteen ktots of wind, building to twenty on the nose. In these wet and splashy conditions, sail changes were arduous and demanding. Rob and James received douses of spray that soaked their foul weather gear right down to thr bottom of their boots. Leaving the Solent, Dawn Star was among the leaders of her 70-boat class. Through the night and first morning, the wind went lighter, and different boats developed their speed. Right now the air is light, the seas flat, Will is busy repairing winches and other gear, lighter boats are moving well, and a return to heavy-air is expected by afternnon. Food is plentiful and good, clothes dry, and by night we should leave the Channel and bang across the Irish Sea. Bugs
