Still 16 boats to finish Rolex Fastnet and six still left to round the rock 17/8/07

Five days into the Rolex Fastnet Race, and two days after the first boat -Leopardcrossed the finish line in Plymouth, there are still 16 boats yet to finish. There are also five boats still to round the Fastnet Rock includingLutineandFlika III,andPersephone.

Those still heading for the Rock are experiencing 14-18kts of north-westerly breeze, while those now on their homeward leg are enjoying fantastic downwind sailing conditions as they head towards the Scillies. Those at the tailend of the fleet should however, expect to see some freshening breezes over the next 24 hours as a low pressure system rolls in from the west.

The next boat to cross the line here in Plymouth this morning isSidneythe final boat in the Sailing Logic’s race team.Sidneythe Match 42 sailed by Josh Richardson and team are currently are off the Eddistone Lighthouse and should arrive in the next few hours.

The latest update on retirements from the 271 starters on Monday is 213.