Heading home tomorrow – via the Grand banks.

We start the final leg tomorrow with race 14. New York to Derry NI. Lots of interesting navigation at both the start and the end of the race. It will be the usual ocean crossing in that we will be looking for the depressions moving along the storm track – and will be aiming to hit them on the south side giving a following wind, we want to avoid the head winds that will slow us down. We have our old friend the gulf stream but also the cold Labrador current coming south and possibly bringing ice into our route but certainly bringing cold water which if the wind gets up and the sea state is lively will mean cold water over the decks. I had thought a summer crossing would mean less in the way of cold weather gear but I am rethinking that one.

The sailing instructions are clear about how far north we should go and we have ice limits south of the Newfoundland part of the route. We will aim to go north of the north Atlantic (Azores) high so it is a fine balance between north and south as we make our way eastward. We will go past Sable island, the grand banks, the Flemish cap, these are familiar names if you have watched the Perfect Storm (film) as I have several times. It is also near where the Titanic now rests on the ocean floor so no worries then.

It could be quite a quick race if we get our position right relative to the low pressure systems. I am really looking forward to getting back to UK waters and the right side of the world. So looking forward to getting home.

One last race and its nearly over. See you soon

Love to all at home,

Lindsey