Race 11, day 14:  Fleet experiences squalls, thunderstorms and water spouts in a day of mixed conditions

Much of the fleet has experienced a day of squalls, with the teams trying to weave round them as well as avoid thunderstorms and water spouts on day 14 of the PSP Logistics Panama 100 Cup.

The squalls meant that the wind died to less than 3 knots afterwards for the main fleet in the frustrating battle to be victorious in Race 11 to Panama.

Henri Lloyd is just three miles behind first-placed GREAT Britain with Jamaica Get All Right 12 miles behind the leaders.

Olly Cotterell, skipper of OneDLL, in eighth, said at dawn it became apparent that it had made good progress, with Switzerland only five miles away.

“The wind continued to be exceedingly fickle in both direction and strength. The guys worked well changing between the Yankee 1 and windseeker, tacking and gybing in order to try and keep the yacht moving.

“On the occasion that we have had wind it has come from all points of the compass and only shown for a few minutes. Well done to Switzerland who by this evening had once again managed to pull away, having found enough wind to create some momentum. The wind has finally grown to an amazing 6 knots and we are once again moving at a comfortable 5 knots.” 

Sixth-placed Team Garmin, the third most northerly boat, says it is enjoying the local wind in the Gulf of Tehuantepec which sees a regular strong pulse of wind pour off the land from the north. 

Skipper Jan Ridd added: “Last night we were struggling to keep the boat moving when the wind filled in quickly and we saw it rise until we had to change down our headsail from the largest Yankee 1, to the smaller Yankee 2. The highest wind speed we saw was 23 knots which just a few hours previous seemed impossible. 

“We are currently on the start of the next pulse of wind and this one is forecast to be much stronger so hopefully will once again slingshot us nearer the finish, and maybe further up the leader board.”

To read all the skipper reports click here