Tactical options for taking on the storm
Pilar Pasanau
© Laura Carrau/FNOB
Iberdac-GAES Solidaria is right at the centre of a storm, the trickiest space for sailing. Solo yachtswoman Pilar Pasanau is currently some 2,300 miles from the Santo Domingo finishing line, almost at the halfway point of the race.
Following days of slow progress towards the Dominican Republic thanks to light breeze, Iberdac-GAES Solidaria is picking up speed again and is increasing her daily mileage, despite finding herself in the middle of a storm.
Tough conditions for Pilar
A squall that has moved in from the northeast caused the trade winds to drop in the zone where the Atlantic Grand Prix entries were sailing. Due to the light breeze over these past few days Pilar Pasanau's entry had slowed down her pace towards Santo Domingo, sailing less than 100 miles a day.
The race organisers then announced that strong westerly winds were expected, of up to 45 knots with cross currents and waves of up to 6 metres, which meant that the fleet was forced to concentrate on how to cross the storm as best as they could and with the minimum damage to their boats.
A portion of the fleet chose to take the storm from the South to avoid the epicentre and to avoid putting pressure on the yachts. However, Pilar, along with Mission Skipper chose a course to the North, choosing to enter into the trickiest area of low pressure. Positioned further East, these pair of entries are enduring heavy showers and strong winds which are complicating the Atlantic crossing further.
During last night, most of the entries have been forced to sail using numerous reefs, and have even had to sail with the mainsail lowered to avoid damage.
Entries Cinc Llunes and Zitania have withdrawn from the Atlantic Grand Prix for personal reasons.
Niob Sexto Cheyenne and Macaco continue to lead the fleet.
