Navigator’s Log #8

June 20, 2026

As I write this, Running Tide is 437 nautical miles from Bermuda and we are just getting ready to enter the Gulf Stream.

The water temperature has steadily climbed out of the low 60s and is now sitting around 74 degrees. If the forecast and the instruments agree, we should start seeing water temperatures in the 80s within the next hour or so — a pretty clear sign that we are approaching one of the major features of this race.

Right now we are under genoa, footing toward our chosen Gulf Stream entry point. The boat is moving well, the crew is settled in, and the watches are doing what offshore watches do — getting just enough rest before the next sail change happens, usually right after one watch has finally fallen asleep.

The overnight rhythm is now fully underway. Trim, drive, check the numbers, watch the water temperature, check the tracker, look at the boats in our class, and keep asking the same question: how do we maximize this route and start clawing back time?

One thing that deserves special mention is the food. We have had great meals this trip, and that makes a huge difference offshore. Thank you, Chef — a well-fed crew is a faster, happier crew.

For now, we keep watching the tracker release schedule, monitoring the Gulf Stream, and working the routing one decision at a time. There is still a lot of racecourse left between us and Bermuda, and plenty of opportunity ahead.

— Jonesy
Navigator, Running Tide