whilst you lot have been fast asleep, I've gone over the race course to Ireland, turned around, and have just touched land at the start.
I reckon I am as prepared as ever I have been. Crew have been fed, the forepeak has fresh straw in it, and I have oiled the whip. A small drogue has been surreptitiously attached to MJM's skeg, and a magnetic can of beer thoughtfully left by his steering compass.
Max VMG to windward out for 45.629 nm due west of the start to catch the incoming low, then head off to Bray and minding the Cathedral rocks just NW. Then a right turn for the guinness.
I managed to complete leg 8 (having just got back from the Jester Challenge) - so only 24hours turnaround for my crew. Patched up the boat for the quick leg and replaced the bacon rations. Was concerned at one point that I would be sailing leg 8 and 9 at the same time with only one boat.
I did consider the northern route but it looked as though it overshot the finish line. It looks as though the stronger winds further out made up for that.