Heading towards the High

Hi All,
 
All good on board Bahrain Team Pindar as we make our way southwards to the High Pressure that is the gate keeper to the Southern Ocean. Once past the High it will be primarily Westerly winds to carry us towards Cape Horn.
 
At present the wind is SE and I am going upwind on port tack as the High Pressure starts to affect us from the West. Then when the High has moved to the South of us, the wind will turn Easterly, probably tonight, and we start to reach towards the High, aiming to pass just to the west of it as it passes by. Bit like crossing the road just after a big lorry has gone past, you don’t want to make your move too early.
 
Sometime tomorrow night I could be feeling the light winds close to the centre of the High, then it will be critical to cross the 150 miles of the light wind area as fast as possible, to avoid being trapped there, and get to the Westerly winds that lie to the South.
 
At present I'm gaining on the leaders as their wind is lighter and more from ahead. They should get the Easterly winds soon, and then will stretch out a little tonight, before slowing in the High tomorrow afternoon. Certainly feels great to be getting closer to the leading pack and entering the South in the game. The boat is going well, and I am letting the pilot do most of the steering, whilst trimming the sails for the changeable wind speeds. Also continuing to run through the job list, although not the easiest place to work at 20 degrees of heel and jumping off waves!
 
Today is a stunning day, there is not a cloud in the sky and the water is a sparkling blue. It is starting to feel colder, and I am wearing my Musto foul weather gear on deck for the windchill and the spray. But I am going to remember this bright and sunny day at 30 degrees of Latitude, so that I can imagine it when I am in the cold and drizzle of the South, when you think that there is nothing more in the whole world than the 100 metres of murk around you. It will help to keep pushing when you can say, only 10 more days of this cold and dampness, and then there will be light and sunshine, it is around the corner, just keep going!
 
Cabin temperature is 28 degrees and water temp is 19.4 degrees at 30S 28W.
 
Seen several birds at a distance, but maybe the water is now too cold for the flying fish, as not seen any today. Also saw a drifting fishing buoy today.
 
All the best
 
Brian