The big low-pressure system centred between Scotland and Iceland which is dominating the North of Europe is generating a moderate WSW’ly air stream today. For the start this afternoon, the forecast is for a 15-17 knot WSW’ly wind and a 1.2-1.5m WNW’ly swell. With the wind coming straight towards them as they make their way to the Cape Fréhel buoy, the skippers will have to tack upwind
To make their way out of the English Channel, they will have to choose a route close to the Breton coast or further away depending on the wind, sea state and currents. During the evening on the way out of the English Channel, they are likely to encounter a bigger swell and waves up to 4.5m. The leading Ultim boats should be entering the Atlantic late this evening with the wind backing to the SW, which will allow them to continue to sail towards the WNW at speeds of around twenty knots.
With a low-pressure system deepening around the Azores tomorrow and a high over Southern Germany, there will be a moderate SSW’ly air stream in the Western Channel and near Atlantic with a front stretching from the West of Scotland to the Azores generating stronger winds to its East. During Wednesday night, the sailors will have to decide whether they will sail to the North or South of the Traffic Separation Scheme off Ushant. Some may choose to seek out stronger winds near the front, but this will be very physical with heavy seas in the area. It also means moving away from the direct route, but with the hope of sailing back south when the wind swings around. A safer route would be to cross the Bay of Biscay towards La Coruna. However, this option will involve a series of tacks upwind. Many may prefer to go for an intermediate option between these two routes, which would be closer to the Great Circle Route, thus reducing the number of miles to be sailed.