Tactical duel With Mother Nature Continues As Cheyenne Seeks Trades

8 February 2004 1930GMT - 200 miles west of Valencia: At a pace more normally associated with speed walking than with big cat sailing, Cheyenne made progress towards the Southwest through the day, despite 'hitting a hole' in the middle of the day. Speeds improved throughout the afternoon and they are now making 12-14 kts westward (see position reports) and are on target for a late night rendezvous with a Low pressure cell for further progress South.
Steve Fossett called in earlier tonight to report:

"We didn't actually stop for lunch, but we did hit an unexpected pocket of High pressure earlier today - and have missed one of our weather gate options. But we are finally going again and plan to head West until later tonight, when we will turn South and head straight for the Canaries, where we expect to pick up the Trades and a strong ride South. We'll be satisfied to get to the equator 8-1/2 days from the start."

For further details and regular position updates, please see: www.fossettchallenge.com