Gates are closed

Tidal gates are not something you expect from the Volvo Ocean Race. It's that word "Ocean" that implies you'll be far offshore where there are prevailing currents but not tricky currents with springs and neaps to worry about.

But just like an inshore race such as the Round the Island or Fastnet, tidal gates have split the Volvo pack into two. Nothing to do with tactics and all to do with timing, with ABN1, Brasil and Ericsson making a clean get away from the northern tip of Scotland, leaving ABN2, Brunel, and Pirates enviously watching from behind.

At least the wind will fill in which should be enough to get them there by close of play Saturday for the in-port race revised times on Sunday. The forecast below shows there could be nearly 20 knots of wind along the East coast of England Saturday morning.

But then the weather's always changing around Britain.


Forecast from www.windfinder.com