Long term weather forecast are not always accurate and this is good for us. Early indication was that we would have a miserable start but the forecast kept improving as we got closer to the start date. We had good wind from the start and we have now 20-25 knots of wind. We are sailing at or above 8 knots.
In this race there are many strategies as far as routing goes. Some years it is better to stick to the rhumb (direct) line. This year is a bit different because the forecast predicts unusual wind pattern on the rhumb line so the whole fleet is going south.
It is nice but tough ride. A lot of water coming on the deck.
Only one encounter so far: a sail drone that came close (but not too close) to us.
All is good with the boat except for a water leak in the skipper cabin…