YM’s David Pugh reports from the English Channel:

The Global Challenge fleet continued it’s passage to London today through strong north-easterly winds and driving rain. Since rounding Start Point yesterday, the yachts have undertaken a long windward thrash up the Channel. St. Catherine’s Point was passed at about 10pm last night, and as I write Beachy Head lies to port.

The wind has stayed firmly in the north-easterly quarter throughout the voyage, reaching force six during the night. It has now eased to about force four, forecast to become cyclonic two or three later, which will probably mean motoring the last part of the journey. No-one seems too upset! On board ‘Save the Children’ the crew has come together through unpleasant conditions – and the inevitable early seasickness – to work together in a way that should stand them in good stead around the world.

Notwithstanding several problems, including water in the fuel and a severely torn mainsail luff, the yachts are running fairly close together and look on target to meet their tight schedule.

The plan from here is to pass around the eastern side of the Goodwin Sands and up the Prince’s Channel into the Thames, where the fleet will rendezvous at Sea Reach no. 4 buoy. From here they will again take formation for the trip up the Thames, passing under Tower Bridge at 0840.

For more information about ‘Save the Children’ and her crew, visit http://www.teamsavethechildren.com