The searing heat of the last few weeks came to an abrupt halt last Sunday as we departed in the usual fashion: branded crew gear on (i.e.not a fast-dry fibre amongst us) and oblivious to the carnage that the weather held in store for the next few hours… As we left the harbour gates the sky darkened, the wind picked up and there began an unearthly squall the likes of which I haven’t seen since we were in the Doldrums.  I could barely see to helm. The race start took place during a series of long, sustained squalls. I spent two hours holding on to the inner forestay calling trim on the staysail and as a result can tell you nothing about the tactics of the boats during the Le Mans start.  I did, however, manage to hold onto a video camera so footage to follow, which I hope will show the incredibly difficult conditions. This is a sprint. We are averaging 4-6 sail changes and numerous reefs per day in full oilies heeled over. Continuous trimming. Battered on the foredeck. Nothing but the heat tells us we are in the Caribbean. Just over a day to go to the finish!