Osaka Cup-Southern Cross update Wednesday.

It appears from all reports that many boats are experiencing the Doldrums- light and variable winds or squalls.

Report from Southern Cross
Suddenly the wind has dropped away. Last night at 20:00 we were level with the New Guinea’s Talugulas Island passing from the Coral Sea into the Solomon Sea.
Around 23:00 a squall passed with the wind picking up to over 20 knots and so to reduce sail area I went for a third reef. Just as I finished the task the worst of the squall passed and so I finished up back with a number 2 reef. As I write this morning the winds are once again light and so I’m back to a full main. I’m expecting the wind to drop even furthertoday leaving the sail to clunk about and making it hard to stay on course. Patience patience!Here’s a shot of the dawn this morning.

Yasu

From Optimus Prime

'Last night was a mixed bag, at times we were wallowing, at others we were thrown on our ear as 25-30knots squalls passed through! Thankfully no damage to report. 200nm to the pack, if we can get that down to 150nm by tomorrow we could be on to something..."

From Escapade

"2130 30+kt squall. Tried run. Too strong. Bare poles. #2 ok. How? Main 3
small tears. Deck tidied n 2 unfd 2200ish. Main repaired by 0230 ready 4
1st light." Joey.