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'Having had our sails fixed in Las Palmas by Domingo Alisios - gold medal winner in the Flying Dutchman class at the Barcelona Olympics - we might have been expected to be doing better than we are' said Michale Whitaker of Valentina of Southampton. 'Maybe this says something about our sailing skills? However, as a relatively inexperienced crew we are learning fast - spinnakers and gennakers are now no longer a mystery.'

Father and Daughter Double-handed team Peter and Sallyann Turner on Asolare have really been showing off, rigging their new Parasilor2 spinnaker for the first time yesterday morning. This unique sail has a parachute wing built in, which helps keep the sail stable, and won't blow out in strong gusts. 'Our Parasilor2 has outperformed our expectations' said Sallyann 'although not quite as fast as the Amel Ballooner system, the Parasailor does provide a much more stable, quieter and comfortable ride. Also, due its design, it can cope with higher wind speeds making it our first choice as we approach the trough tomorrow'.

Prout Catamarran Cat Taloo have also been playing with their 'coloured sail', in what Marrika DOUGLAS described as 'our best effort to reach St.Lucia before the rum runs out!'.

However, on Rainmaker, the results have been more mixed, with skipper Julian reporting 'Four happier crew on board today following our decision to the kite for a poled out headsail - but only after several 13+ knot rides!'.