July 5, 2010.  Report from Delicate Balance this morning tells a story of a rough night, with overnight winds as high as 35, reducing to 26 from the north by morning.  The boat managed to hit surfing speed of over 12 knots causing several cases of seasickness in the night.

Choosing comfort over speed, Delicate Balance is  now sailing carefully under small jib only at about 7 knots.   All alone out in the night, with no vessels in sight, not even on the AIS, the crew wish we could be there instead of them.   Oh  Dear!  Two spouses of the crew would not go even if they were paid a million dollars each.  One girlfriend would join the race if paid a million dollars, but no one offered.

Brave little Terremoto made big progress surfing at a speed of 12.4 knots in that tiny boat.  Oh – I can just imagine the motion!

Pyrenneene and Turicum are leading, with Turicum making a tactical change to stay closer to shore.

Delicate Balance is rated the slowest boat in the fast boat Division 1 Category and may well be the last to reach the finish line – especially if more than 50% of the crew are seasick.  We’ll be glad if they are just safe and reach their destination.