Tony Bullimore
Blue Ocean Wireless Solo Round the World Challenge

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Day 23 - now within 230 miles of New Zealand's East Cape

Monday, 28 May 2007

Date May 24 2007 08:06GMT Position 038° 29'S 177° 12'W Speed 7.1 knots Course 256 Degrees True Wind Conditions  N 10 knots British yachtsman Tony Bullimore and his 102ft catamaran Doha, continued to make steady but slow progress towards New Zealand yesterday. At 08:00 GMT today, he was within 230 miles WNW of North Island�s East Cape and has only a further 220 miles to run to Auckland. Lee Bruce, Team Bullimore�'s weather router is concerned that a change in the winds today could force Tony to beat towards the entrance to Hauriki Gulf. He advised Tony overnight: "I would rather see you lose a knot or two on speed, rather than continue on 240T.  You're already south of 38S, and the farther south you go, the more west you'll have in the NNW wind to come, which in turn makes it harder to make westing. The longer-range forecast does bring a south-component wind after the front goes through on the 24th, but not until you slog through another light patch. For now, a freshening NNW wind will allow better boat speed, but try to point as high as you can - preferably no more south than a 250T heading. Breeze should be 340T/20-25kt by 00:00 GMT, and remains NNW in the mid twenties through 12:00. A Front will go through by 00:00 GMT on May 25, with very light air behind it.  So progress may be nil tomorrow. After that, expect a freshening SSW wind."