Now 1734h. 4h 34 mins after start. Good downwind start near Outer Distance Mark. All boats clear. Good to see Oz Privateer near us and Jedi Knight from East Coast. Initially took north (mainland) course with better breeze – and progressed well. Close to ship which caused two others to gybe. We were clear but passed near enough. Wind died towards Lymington – two close calls with no way – 1) Lymington Race Box and 2) Sailing Logic who’d kedged to avoid shallow water – had 6” of clearance as we passed. Then wind filled in from SW – W. Now beating towards Anvil Point with minority of fleet – with 6.0k boat speed – SOG 7.8k. True wind 8.2k. Position 50 37 084N and 1 53 596 W.
