The Atlantic continues to thin the OSTAR fleet with some skippers retiring altogether and others returning to port and to assess weather they can return to the race.
Jonathan Snodgrass (Lexia) has returned safely to Plymouth and has retired from the race. He was in good spirits this morning having had a good nights sleep and said he was now feeling hungry which is a good sign.
Reini Gelder (Light for the World) has reached the Isles of Scilly and is on a mooring in St Mary’s Pool. In his own words he is going to “ do emergency repairs to his rigging, visit the island, sleep and then proceed towards Lorient in the next few days”. Good luck Reini and have a safe passage.
Pip Hildesley (Cazenove Capital) is making good progress back to Cork where she has arranged to have new lower shrouds waiting for her. Her ETA is 0500 30/5/09. She intends to then rejoin the race.
Rob Cummings is on his way back to Falmouth at about 7 knots; but is still having engine problems. An alternative to Falmouth might be Newlyn. His current intention is to carry out repairs and rejoin the race.
Paul Brant (Ninjod). I spoke to Paul on the Iridium at 1610 today. He says he is heading for Cork where he will have a rest and take stock before deciding what to do. He says he has water ballast problems as well as no foul weather gear. It meant that to continue he had to be in the cockpit dumping the main and with no protective clothing he got very cold and decided he had no alternative but to return.