Team Aurora -Thomson Reuters

We've only been racing for about 20 hours, but already there is lots to report. Despite being over early at the start, we were able to recover quickly and make tracks close reaching in solid breeze to the S-SE. At times we were on a Medium Jib, a Jib Top, sometimes with a genoa staysail, and even the Code Zero. The wind pressure and boat speed were excellent, and we blew through all of the divisions that started ahead of us in pretty rapid fashion. In general, we were ahead and to leeward of the most of our division.

After midnight (incidentally, that's the name of one of Benji's boats), the wind became light and fickle. Keeping Aurora in the groove became a little frustrating as it was shify, puffy, and there was a ton of windshear. We kept shifting gears as best we could, and seemed to be gaining on a couple of boats that we believe are larger, but heavier competitors. In the light air, we were able to keep momentum and were pretty much headed straight to Bermuda.

Later, the wind backed to the Southeast which prompted us to tack over onto port just after first light (which comes pretty early this time of year). This wasn't really in the forecast, but we've had 6-8 knots true wind and boat speed has been pretty coinsistent around 9 knots. It's really nice being on a boat that generates its own apparent.

Brian, our navigator. has been constantly updating our data/predictions and there have been several pow-wows around "Command Central" which is filled with a number computers, screens, radios and various electronic apparatus. Lucas, our pitman who is s Navy Fighter Pilot, would feel at home there if we ever let him leave the pit. There is probably more processing power aboard Aurora than the space shuttle would have had less than ten yeears ago.

Given the slight changes in the forecast, and given our present position (vs. the expected optimal route as of yesterday), the brain trust has been fine-tuning our Gulf Stream entry point and our approach. All in all, we've been pleased with our progress and our position vis a vis the competition. The sailing has been better than expected, and the weather has been practically perfect.

Last night looked like we were gliding under an upside down bowl full of stars. We could hear whales breathing around us, and even saw a few after the sun came up, and were treated to the sight of about 50 dolphin around dawn.

As good as it's been though, we've got a long way to go and the most challenging decisions and sailing is yet to come. The most critical decision will be when to tack back toward the Stream. It might be the "make or break" decision for the race, so when we get close to that point we'll update all our info, project new optimized routes based on the latest intelligence, and then cross ouir fingers and commit.

Meanwhile, the team is in good spirits and the focus on performance has been constant. Not even a constant stream of great stories from Gary can distract us. It sometimes feels as if we're watching ESPN. Gary even hums his theme song between stories which only adds to the effect. So in that spirit, we'll pause here and go back to our regular programming!