Day 1 and 2 Cape Finisterre

It is now 24 hours after the start and race day +1 has officially started.

My position is roughly 100 miles to the west-southwest of les Sable d'Olonne on the French coast.

Conditions remain favourable with a strong breeze from the North East, but perhaps not for long

Approaching the north-western coast of Spain is Cape Finisterre, the first major milestone of this race, and also one with high wind forecasts.

It will be sailing downwind along the coast, however I have to take a less than optimal course. South by West would be perfect, however on that course I would end up on the rocks, so I have to steer South-Southwest. This small difference seems insignificant at first, but after the course change, I can see the fore course sail flapping and chafing. As a remedy, I have reefed the main course as well as the topgallant sails. I also have lost use for all the for and aft sails too.

I have to make a decision now, either stay along the coast, or steer west again. Later on I will be between the TSS and the coast. The TSS is a traffic separation zone that is a prohibited area.

I am committed now, I expect to pass the cape around 2300 tonight and then get more freedom to move around. The wind has picked up to a moderate gale, force 7 and a steady wind speed of 30 knots. 

The topgallants are taken in, and the ship runs almost 11 knots before the wind.

Blue Frigate Alpha, Yellow Violette, Purple Pip Hare

After the cape I planned to steer west, but now it seems better to keep tracking the Portuguese coast towards the south.

Under Courses and Topsails, and back on the optimum course, I am making nearly 12 knots on SbW.