Sitrep 2, 28 May 2026. After the excellent first week, the next provided the challengers with few options but to head west in weather that ranged from light winds and fog to force 8. EDEN MARINDIN and WINGDING have now made port in Terceira, WINGDING having to anchor outside the marina at the south end of the harbour to wait out a gale at the same time that RAVEN to the east of the Island was forced north, and has subsequently had to lie ahull through a second gale.
Hugh Davies (EDEN MARINDIN) and Pete Matthews (WINGDING) have now retired from the challenge. In Pete’s case it is sad that that primary reason is that despite ongoing efforts he failed to get transatlantic insurance cover, an ongoing problem for corithian sailors. We are sure that the three who retired are disappointed, but they have all made seamanlike decisions and made port in good order under sail. They will certainly have stories to tell and experiences to share.
When the weather permits, we expect RAVEN to head into Praia da Vitória. John has mentioned several times that he has a furling gear issue and that he may need still water to fix the problem. A brief stop may also prove convenient in weather terms, since the Azores high appears to be moving slightly north, which may provide some relief from the current train of low pressures.
