Yes DAZZLER. Not only is the transition between the Southerly Surge and synoptic wind moving slowly west, but a low pressure is developing just offshore with an associated trough extending NE/SW. It is a complex situation without a clear answer how to get to the synoptic wind at 126 degrees west.
Some of the fleet have routing programs and the skill to use them. The problem is routing programs like Expedition vary their recommended courses with each run. And not by a little, but by a whole degree! Yesterday at the Skipper's meeting luncheon, one competitor was tugging at what was left of his hair as Expedition had just changed its suggestion from running north to Bodega Bay before heading west over the top of the pesky Low to instead beating south towards Monterey Bay and then sailing under the Low.
Even here at CBC, without Stan Honey beside, I cannot, at this time, figure out which way to go..Yes, I did advise one competitor to sail the closest tack to 225 m. The answer will come, but maybe not for 24-48 hours.