At 0800 BST on day two, the vast majority of the IRC Four fleet was still inshore, battling upwind in Lyme Bay. However, a number of boats had began to head offshore into bigger seas to round Start Point. Leading IRC Four after time correction was François Charles' Dehler 33 Sun Hill III (FRA). Second was one of the smallest boats in the race, Sean Langman’s Ranger 32 Maluka (AUS), all the way from Australia. Third after time correction was Henry Clay’s Contessa 38 Flycatcher of Yar.
Fifth after IRC time correction was Vanessa and Chris Choules’ Sigma 38 With Alacrity, which contacted the Rolex Fastnet Race media team:
“Half way across Lyme Bay - the boat is very wet as are the crew,” commented Chris Choules. “No watch systems yesterday or dinner. Leech line problem on our Main with three reefs meant we sailed to Portland under jib only. We have now shaken out the reefs and have a new headsail. The wind has eased and it is a lot more comfortable than yesterday's washing machine!
Some of us are having a well-deserved sleep. No Main has cost us but we are now chasing hard and reeling the completion in one by one - we love a challenge! Certainly an interesting day yesterday on the radio. We hope all are safe and for the rest of us out here - sail safe! Wind and waves the worst we have seen; just as well we have a Sigma 38 - she was born for this.”
4 boats have retired in IRC Four as of 08:00 BST Sunday 23 July: Scherzo of Cowes, Magic Moments, Machismo II, Bruorskip
