As Laurent Bourgnon celebrates his record breaking win in the multihull class (12d 8h 41m, 2 days faster than previous record from his victory in 1994), the monohulls are finally seeing the surfing conditions they have awaited for so long. Onboard Kingfisher, although compromised by the lack of canting keel, life is exciting…..from Ms MacArthur a few moments ago…

“its awesome. The hum is incredible. Since I gybed late last night, we’ve been powering down the waves. Up to 17 knots, and mostly an average of 13 knots…its weird on your own at these speeds. And fun! The lack of ballast effect of the keel is making it less stable, and so I have had to sail slightly more conservatively to avoid a big wipe out. I’m sailing with one reef in the mainsail and the new AIRX spinnaker which looks just great (see new photo on web site AIRXview.jpg and KITING.jpg). I seem to be managing to hold a good 100 mile lead on UUNET, the next 60 footer of Philippe MONNET who evidently had some big problems getting through the last front, and 200 on the next guy in my class. Even more pleasing is that I am holding similar speeds to the 2 60s in front of me, Sodebo (Dinelli) and Maison Cote Ouest (Maurel). I’m happy!”

Jean Maurel had a hell of night before last…he spent 2 hours at the mast head of his 60 footer, during a squall and heavy rain, trying to fix both main and gennaker halyard blocks that had failed. Dinelli has reported lots of problems as well, including blown out sails and engine failure leading to lack of power for pilots. Its been a tough week. Thomas Coville has taken a commanding lead at the front of the monos, and really has his foot down, averaging close to 14 knots for some hours now. He has just over a 1000 miles to go. He is followed by van den Heede (Algimouss), and then Catherine Chabaud (Whirlpool Europe 2).

Reflections on the previous day on Kingfisher……

“My day- right now waiting for a sqaull to pass. Last night was hard work,finishing repairs, after such a grueling 24 hrs. A wonderul feeling to havethe keel in a safe state! (Surfing at 15 knots!) I spent the night with the number 2, newlyrepaired staysaail, and full main We averaged 10 knots, so I was happy enough, and so exhausted. I gota reasonable amount of rest, and had another hour this morning. The day has been so busy, I don’t know where time goes sometimes. (It’s very hard to type without the keel, on starboard gybe!!) Played alot with the new AIRX kite, found 2 good angles for light and heavy airs. With good 5 minute 13-15 knot bursts. A great stable sail. When she surfs there is the most incredibe hum! Anyway, a good day, reasonable progress – in fact not bad to say we’re’cantless’ Did a radio interview with Radio Derby – talked about home, hills and greenery, and did I miss them all. I guess I do a little , but that ust makes it so much better when I go back. Healthy Iguess. Just about to Gybe to sttle into a North Easterly”