Prepared by: Bruce Buckley (Weather Australia)
Weather situation
A weakening tropical low is centred near 16:00S 65:30E with a trough to 22:30S 62:00E. A weak ridge lies across the Mauritius area. The low should gradually move towards the west north west during the next 48 hours with the trough weakening further, while the ridge moves southwards, bringing a return of moderate SE trade winds to the final stage of the route to Mauritius during the next 36 to 48 hours. Slightly increased shower activity is continuing near the trough line but this activity should remain to the east and north of the main part of the fleet through the remainder of this leg.
Weather
Isolated showers, mostly close to the trough line. Otherwise fine and partly cloudy conditions are to be expected.
Winds: From Mauritius to 65E
Sunday 10th
Winds east of the trough mostly ENE to NNE 15/20 knots, slightly stronger for the rear of the fleet, weakening as the day progresses and tending more NNE. Winds turning generally southerly 10/15 knots, locally SSW at times, west of the trough but weaker near Mauritius through the morning. A few patches of breeze averaging close to 18 knots moving through but with wind holes below 10 knots to be expected.
Monday 11th
Southerly winds extending eastwards through the rear of the fleet with speeds easing back to 8/13 knots for much of the fleet. Winds slowly shifting SSE 10/15 knots during the afternoon then SSE to SE overnight.
Tuesday 12th
SE winds 10/15 knots gradually tending more ESE 13/18 knots as the day progresses.