Round Britain & Ireland - It's Getting Colder: Teams Break Out Cold Weather Gear As They Approach 60°N

5 Jun 2004 15:13 GMT Crews are reporting cooler times as they get further north – BP Explorer are the first to reach 60° about 20 miles further north than John O’Groats.

Fortunately for the crews the winds are moderate and behind them, and are forecast to stay in the west or southwest force 4 perhaps 5 for the next 24 hrs.

The bonus is that at the northern most point as they round Muckle Flugga, the crews will only have an hour and a half of true darkness – that should certainly keep the spirits up.

BP Explorer are still out in front on the drag race to the top of Shetland Islands having pulled out some more miles on Team 7 , they are now some 8 miles in front and sailing in excess of 8 knots. Further back in the fleet the speeds are slightly lower, and positions remain broadly unchanged.

Kunachi is chasing for third place, but has been unable to take any distance off the gap in the higher wind speeds. Barclays Adventurer and SAIC are vying for fourth and fifth place, with Barclays’ course much closer to the rhumb-line. Besso and Save the Children are still within sight of each other with just three miles separation, but Save the Children has been consistently faster over the last 24 hours. The Firm are closing, the gap to Besso in seventh place down to just 23 miles.

Official Site: www.roundbritainchallenge.com