Cheyenne Unstoppable In Southern Ocean

Conditions in the Indian Ocean 1000 miles south of Australia became even more intense, with wind angles deteriorating as the big cat fell back into the front.
Navigator Adrienne CAHALAN wrote late on Thursday:

"We have been able to sit just ahead of a cold front from as far back as longitude 70E until just 30 minutes ago when the cold front caught us. Therefore, the 25-35kt NW winds which have allowed us to sail at a fast angle of about 120 degrees wind angle (broad reach) and make very good miles (550+ per day) to the mark (Cape Horn) have shifted into the West. We are expecting that the wind will shift back into the NW and we will have another day of these good NW winds. If not, West winds mean that the Horn will be dead downwind, we will have to start gybing and clocking up 500+nm days toward the mark will be much more difficult to achieve."

Cheyenne's next milestone will be South East Cape, Tasmania, marking the eastern boundary of the Indian Ocean (the western edge began at the Cape of Good Hope).

In a completely unrelated story, Cheyenne watch captain Brian Thompson celebrates his 42nd birthday Friday. Happy birthday, Brian!

For Adrienne's full report from the boat, visit the Fossett Challenges website at the address below.