Morning Update
Evening Update
A second spell of heavy weather is moving through the fleet, with Daniel Pinsky reporting around 35 knots of wind and stronger gusts as he works through a tiring passage. Damien Guillou faces another approaching front after a change in the forecast leaves fewer options for avoiding it, while several boats further north continue making good progress. Meanwhile, Louis Kerdelhué confirms his retirement in Recife after health difficulties and significant weight loss.
THE LEADER
🇫🇷 Damien Guillou
Damien Guillou is making approximately 6.6 knots, continuing south-east after successfully avoiding the worst of the previous storm.
However, the next weather system is now forecast to track further west than previously expected. The route that appeared likely to keep him clear of its strongest winds may no longer provide that protection.
Another period of heavy weather is expected late tonight and into tomorrow morning. The preliminary assessment suggests sustained winds around 40 knots, gusting towards 60, with seas potentially reaching 5–7 metres. These remain forecast figures rather than conditions reported aboard.
Residual seas from the previous system are still subsiding, leaving little respite before the next front. Race management is reviewing the updated forecast with his team, although his options for avoiding this system appear limited.
THE CHASING PACK
🇬🇧 Ertan Beskardes
Ertan Beskardes is making approximately 4.5 knots in favourable winds and comparatively calm seas.
His northerly position continues to offer some protection from the stronger weather affecting boats further south. Although his immediate speed is modest, he remains well placed to make steady progress without encountering the same demanding conditions.
The approaching high-pressure system could nevertheless change that picture, bringing a tighter wind angle before lighter conditions arrive.
🇮🇹 Andrea Lodolo
Andrea Lodolo’s latest displayed position is from 04:00 UTC, when a passing calm leaves him pointing away from his intended route.
That older position should not be interpreted as a current problem aboard. Stronger winds are approaching, and he is expected to be moving again as they arrive.
The next system could bring another demanding passage, with particularly strong winds developing along his projected route. Once it passes, Andrea Lodolo may be among the better-placed skippers to retain favourable airflow while boats further north slow in the expanding high.
🇮🇱 Daniel Pinsky
Daniel Pinsky calls race management this morning, reporting approximately 35 knots of wind with stronger gusts. He is getting tired but remains well and is managing the conditions.
A weather warning reaches him only in the early hours, by which time the opportunity to reposition north has largely passed. After seeking clarification, he is advised to run comfortably with the conditions rather than struggle to regain latitude.
The immediate strong-wind phase is expected to move through over the following three to six hours, with another change later in the day as the other side of the system passes.
A rapid shift from north-westerly towards southerly winds could create a confused sea. Nearby forecasts indicate gusts around 48–50 knots, although these are not confirmed measurements from his boat.
THROUGH THE FLEET
🇳🇴 Helga Marie (Mara) Løvenskiold Kveseth
Helga Marie (Mara) Løvenskiold Kveseth remains further north in comparatively pleasant conditions.
Her latest onboard footage shows her relaxed, although the falling temperatures are becoming noticeable as the fleet moves south. No reliable new speed is provided in today’s commentary, and her delayed tracker position complicates direct comparisons with nearby boats.
She has also decided to concentrate her Window LIVE appearances on daylight hours rather than transmit at night.
🇨🇭 Etienne Messikommer
Etienne Messikommer alters course towards the east after receiving the weather warning, keeping just north of the advised 28°30′S latitude.
His displayed latitude is approximately 28°22′S, allowing the stronger part of the system to pass south of him while he continues making progress. The diversion is expected to cost relatively little ground.
Onboard footage also shows him repeatedly trying to contact a ship passing approximately a mile away, without receiving a radio response.
🇮🇹 Guido Cantini
Guido Cantini is making approximately 6.4 knots on a south-easterly course.
Already positioned north of the more threatening weather, he can continue on a useful heading without making the same course adjustment as Etienne Messikommer.
For now, the wind is helping him build progress, although the approaching high could interrupt that favourable run.
🇬🇧 Henry Wootton
Henry Wootton is moving quickly at approximately 7.9 knots as stronger winds arrive.
His course takes him into the more demanding conditions rather than keeping him further north. He is making good speed, but the passage will also bring the challenges of stronger wind and a building sea.
🇸🇪 Pär Nyman
Pär Nyman is making approximately 6.7 knots in strong following winds.
The wind direction is helping his progress, although seas along this part of the fleet’s route are forecast to build towards 4–5 metres. Maintaining a comfortable course as the system passes will be important.
🇨🇦 Isa Rosli
Isa Rosli is sailing at approximately 6.6 knots, continuing to make useful progress with the following breeze.
He is among the boats benefiting from the stronger airflow, but the developing high-pressure system could bring another slowdown once the current weather moves away.
🇺🇸 Gunnar Christensen
Gunnar Christensen’s 08:00 UTC position shows approximately 3.9 knots.
He remains near the northern edge of the system, following the available breeze. His progress is more modest than that of several boats further south, but he is also clear of the strongest part of the weather at this stage.
🇺🇸 Matt Woodside
Matt Woodside’s latest displayed position remains at midnight, so his current location and speed cannot be established accurately from the public tracker during the broadcast.
His recent course takes him south towards the developing low. Depending on his progress since that position, he may encounter rapid wind shifts near its centre.
The main concern in the forecast assessment is the potential for a confused sea as the wind changes direction. No new problem aboard is reported.
LOUIS KERDELHUÉ — RETIREMENT IN RECIFE
🇫🇷 Louis Kerdelhué
Louis Kerdelhué confirms his retirement from the race after reaching Recife and seeking medical advice.
He describes having pushed his body to its limit, with significant weight loss and the cumulative effects of the voyage contributing to his decision. The prolonged calms in the Doldrums and the isolation of racing also form part of that difficult experience.
Recovering sufficiently to continue would take time and leave him further behind the fleet. After considering his health and circumstances, he makes the difficult decision to stop.
AT THE BACK OF THE FLEET
🇺🇸 Guy deBoer
Guy deBoer is making approximately 5.4 knots, continuing his passage towards Trindade.
He remains well behind the main fleet and away from the heavy weather currently affecting the boats further south.
PAT LAWLESS — PASSAGE NORTH
🇮🇪 Pat Lawless
Pat Lawless continues north at approximately 4.9 knots.
He keeps the wind forward of the beam to maintain his northerly course, making steady progress on his return passage.
WEATHER OUTLOOK
The developing low is moving quickly across the fleet, bringing strong winds and sharp changes in direction. For some boats, the most difficult feature may be the resulting confused sea rather than the wind strength alone.
Across much of the fleet, forecast seas are around 3–4 metres, locally approaching 5 metres. Damien Guillou faces a separate period of stronger conditions as the system reaches his position.
Behind the low, an expanding South Atlantic high could bring headwinds from 28 October, followed by lighter conditions. Damien Guillou and Andrea Lodolo may retain favourable airflow, while boats further north risk slowing.
By 30 October, some skippers could begin emerging on the other side of the high, potentially creating another split in the fleet.
TRACKING AND RACE MANAGEMENT
Several positions are current to 08:00 UTC, but Andrea Lodolo’s remains at 04:00 UTC and Matt Woodside’s at midnight. Delayed positions also affect comparisons involving Helga Marie (Mara) Løvenskiold Kveseth, so the displayed leaderboard requires caution.
Race management continues reviewing weather warnings as the forecasts evolve. Daniel Pinsky’s delayed receipt of his alert highlights the importance of checking when a warning applies before acting on it.
The Window LIVE schedule is also under review, with a possible reduction from 24-hour coverage to approximately 18 hours a day. Andrea Lodolo is not currently using his Starlink connection.
Daily Report Archive Skipper tweets from 27/10/2026
