It was a fast start on July 5 as the meltemi winds kicked in just in time. The meltemi is a cool, dry wind that originates in the Balkans where there is a constant high pressure during the summer, and is sucked south by a low pressure over Turkey. This creates strong northerly winds.
The 77 boat fleets representing 21 countries are already halfway around and are heading back north again sailing through some enchanted waters. The boat out front is a Reichel Pugh 90 with a convoluted name; Prosecco Doc Shockwave 3. What kind of contortionist came up with that one?
It’s a zig-zag course that will offer up some sleepless time at the computer screen and for the sewer rats, a busy day and night ahead. The leaders are expected to finish overnight, Greek time.
