Melbourne Osaka Cup - Friday morning update 22 March 2013.  During the night Turbulence finally managed to turn north east and at 7.00 am was about 65 miles south of Gabo Is.

Southern Cross and Escapade continue to battle headwinds well off the coast, Southern Cross still on an easterly heading abeam Gabo Island and Escapade over 200 nautical miles east of Nowra. At the time of the sked Escapade reported the wind to be 30 knots from the north.

Late yesterday afternoon, Escapade advised that they had switched from racing mode into comfort mode until the conditions improved a bit. The wind then was 25-33 and they were punting along at 5 knots looking for their next bit of helpful current.

Southern Cross and Escapade are likely to stay with the northerlies until tomorrow, while Turbulence appears to be set for lighter winds closer in to the coast.