Winds ease at Cape Reinga and Noumea Race gets back on track

12:22 PM Mon 29 Jun 2009 GMT

'Lion NZ heads out for the at the start of Auckland to Noumea Race' Richard Gladwell Click Here to view large photo

Racing has resumed in the Auckland to Noumea race after very testing weather conditions which forced three yachts to retire, and several others to suspend racing.

Report at 1840hours- Monday 29 June, 2009

The wind is turning west, with winds in the vicinity of approx 25 - 30 knots. Lagoon Ozone reports that they have had occasional gusts up to 40 knots, however tell us that the winds are now easing and that they are comfortable and having a great ride. Lion NZ has reported in, after not being able to send a position report this morning.

Bird on the Wing reports that they are still sitting it out at Mangonui Harbour, but are planning to up anchor and rejoin the race in three hours, so we will have a race position report for them after tomorrow mornings sched.

Bare Essentials and Mustang Sally are also now racing.

PredictWind prognosis for 0900hrs on 30 June 2009, showing winds easing and swinging to SW giving a fast ride for the rest of the race.

PredictWind prognosis for 0900hrs on 30 June 2009, showing winds easing and swinging to SW giving a fast ride for the rest of the race. -

Quotes from On Board:

1500hours - Monday 29 June, 2009

Bullrush and REVS are safely in Opua.

Bare Essentials is preparing to set sail again, the weather is looking much better up north.

1330hours - Monday 29 June, 2009

Bullrush was at the Nine Pin along side REVS at 1300hours today.

1220hours - Monday 29 June, 2009

Antaeus has arrived in Opua safely, and the skipper has been taken off by ambulance.

REVS is reported to be just off the Nine Pin, approximately 2 hours from the Opua Marina.

Navitrac are manually updating the boats positions from the radio sched positions, so although due to atmospheric conditions we are having problems with the tracking devices sending positions, there will be updates twice a day.

Recorded wind readings at Cape Reinga at 0300hrs on 29 June 2009 - showing a peak gust of 52kts