One day and 15 hours after the start, heavy weather has taken its toll on the fleet, with 17 boats now retired from the race. Most importantly, all crew members are safe.
Conditions are challenging due to heavy seas and strong winds. So far, the fleet has been battling headwinds for the entire race.
The wind is expected to turn south-westerly, allowing the boats to sail a more direct course towards Hoburg, at the southern tip of Gotland. From there, the fleet can expect reaching and tight reaching conditions on the way towards the Helsinki Lighthouse.
As the leading boats approach the Gulf of Finland, they are likely to encounter another spell of heavy weather, with gusts of up to 35 knots.
The boats further back in the fleet may have a better chance of avoiding the strongest winds when they round Hiiumaa and head into the Gulf of Finland.
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