At 9:45am today, a new amendment to the Sailing Instructions has removed the mandatory passage around the island of Guernsey on port. Competitors are therefore free to choose whether or not to pass through the Guernsey channels and the Raz Blanchard when heading up towards Cap de la Hague. It is known that strong winds, as will be the case this evening with the arrival of the first boats, can create very rough seas, with southwesterly winds and opposing currents. The event continues to strive for a balance between sporting excellence and safety. The leading boats are currently sailing at 22 knots on the leg towards Brittany!