"We are turning back. After a fast start, the winds shifted 15 degrees and dropped from 26 knots to 20 knots.This greatly slowed our progress and a 24 Hour Record is not feasible this time. For this record, everything must be right.

We are turning south and bracing ourselves for a pasting by the storm front following closely behind us. It will take at least 2 days to get back to Norfolk Virginia."

The shifting wind angle had slowed progress for several hours, taking them out of the Gulf Stream. First issues now are to take the 125ft maxi catamaran through the squalls at the edge of the front and then work back towards base.