Geoff Alcorn - Wind of Lorne II

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From 2700 miles away in Devon we had a grandstand view, thanks to the Hyatt
Webcam, as Geoff Alcorn finished the 2009 Ostar at 3.10pm local time, under
an overcast sky.

Geoff Alcorn on Wind of Lorne II has finally reached 10 miles to go.
Accompanied by a circling shark for the last few miles, becalmed, foggy,
very tired - he should arrive around 2.30 local time.

Barry

Wind of Lorne II was "only" 160nm away from the finish last night. Not much
wind, but better forecast for today - he hopes to finish Sunday, but the
forecast shows dead calm Sunday afternoon!. Geoff sounds fine - if a little
fed up with lack of movement. He's fixed the self steering and can't wait to
get the parts for the engine, which await him at the Volvo dealer in
Portsmouth (RI).

Spoke to Geoff a few minutes ago - passed on messages and took position. He
is cheerful - made good progress today, and with the wind from the south he
doesn't need to steer the boat - he's hoping it will stay that way, but the
forecast suggests the wind is dying. Brilliant sunshine today - but rain
expected.
The computer is working again - after drying out.

Geoff was late reporting last night - which gave us some concerns in view of
the events of the previous day. Glad to hear that Gianfranco is OK - even if
he is going to Newark instead of Newport.
Wind of Lorne II was at 41 06N 52 12W at 22.30 UTC last night - good
progress for the day. The computer has stopped playing up and the autohelm
is working again, so things are looking better, and Geoff sounded more
relaxed.
The forecast is for SE or S winds up to 25 kts, so we should see further
progress in the right direction today.

Just spoken to Geoff - now at 42.51N 48.57W - closing fast on the Titanic
He's been over the side, but too much swell to complete steering repairs -
waiting for that calm millpond sea!
Barry

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Last night Geoff was at 43.36N 48.15W. No wind and a heavy swell. Lots of
banging up top. Not much to report. Passed by a container ship earlier in
the day, but with visibility poor and too much noise on board, Geoff is
struggling listening out for approaching engines.
Grib shows the wind picking up today, but magicseaweed says the opposite!
Barry

WesternWeb Limited
Tel: 01822 870269
Registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 04360414
Registered Address: Western House, Lane End, Lamerton, Tavistock, Devon PL19
8QY

Geoff's reported position at 21.15UT last night was 4313 4535, which puts
him approaching the southern tip of Grand Banks. Very windy, and
self-steering out of action, so anticipating being up all night at the helm,
until the wind drops and repairs can be instigated from the dinghy.
Otherwise he sounded reasonably cheerful!
Barry