Both fleets found one of the many low wind ‘holes’ that have been predicted to plague these races. How you manage low wind is often the difference of winning and losing the handicap prizes. Sail selection becomes crucial and even keeping movement around the boat to a minimum can make a big difference to the outcome.
Both fleets had stayed to the west of the rhumb line, banking on being able to take advantage of the Westerly winds coming in this morning. It paid off with all the boats now enjoying steady Westerlies and picking up boat speed.
In the Melbourne to Hobart, Oskana is past King Island and nearing the mandatory declaration point at 41 degrees South. This is the declaration to say that all is well onboard and they are fit and able to enter the West Coast and continue racing. The rest of the fleet is bunched up behind Oskana abeam of King Island.
Dream continues to lead the Melbourne to Devonport fleet and with the current conditions is powered up in its drive to the entrance to the Mersey River. She is well ahead of Merlion in second place and looks set for a strong Line Honours victory. Dream's current finsih ETA at Devnport is 2:00pm this afternoon.
