At 10.15 GMT 19th April John sent " Scott, Are currently @ 38*06.18N, 12*4.50W. Weather has been F-7 to 8 from north since we passed Finestere. Today the 1st w/ mod breeze & some blue sky. Much colder down here than expected. JR"

 On the chart we can see that wind comes down from 70deg North (cold on my barge here too!). Although the strength must be localised as the forecast has only been N F6. One thing is, Cool Change, ex Mannini Pahi romps along with a strong wind on the quarter, mainsail down & good area of roller jib out, and very safe as well. I've sailed her in a force 7 like this for hour after hour at 13-17 knots - you get a long way in a day! Things are forecast to improve for them over the next couple of days although as John mentions westerly breezes now the changes must be happening quicker than expected. The wind was forecast to stay northerly for them a few more days, but with westerlies to the North of them bringing winds across the Atlantic ... (Influenced by the Azores High rather than that one off Ireland).