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BT GLOBAL CHALLENGE - GROUP 4 RETAINS HER LEAD Southampton (UK), Monday 21 October 1996 The head of the BT Global Challenge fleet is now 4 days ahead of schedule. Group 4 has re-found the favourable wind conditions and currents and resumed her typical 24 hour run of 231 miles retaining her lead. She is now 32 miles ahead of Toshiba Wave Warrior with 723 and 755 miles remaining to the finish line respectively. Time & Tide brings up the rear of the fleet and lies 645 miles behind Group 4. As Rio approaches fast, the yachts are fighting hard to move up the chart. Concert, lying in third place, is just 19 miles behind Toshiba Wave Warrior and Commercial Union's cut across the fleet further east is proving to have paid off - she has made 15 miles on Save the Children in the last 24 hours. Fighting out for 8th and 9th position off the coast between Recife and Salvador are Heath Insured II and Ocean Rover who are separated by 5 miles. Global Teamwork, currently lying in 10th position, is presently taking a more easterly course, similar to that of Concert - unlike the main body of the fleet which is sailing closer to the shore. Skipper Merfyn Owen hopes the rest of the fleet will slow down in the lighter airs off the Brazilian coast. Like all the yachts, Global Teamwork realises that the next 48 hours are crucial to pull back some time to put in hand for the next five legs, particularly important after her unfortunate early start and 1 hour penalty. Merfyn reported, "we've probably had more than our share of bad luck on this leg, but when we have good luck, the crew drive this boat as fast as any other and faster than most". The east to southeasterly trade winds will remain, but the weather conditions are forecast to become increasingly unsettled as the fleet approach Rio, with outbreaks of thundery rain forecast. Toshiba Wave Warrior have already experienced the beginning of these conditions yesterday : "Tans are on hold at the moment as we are faced with a constant stream of squalls and overcast skies. Unfortunately, the rain means we are unable to open the hatches so the temperature below decks is still unbearable ....Chay Blyth never mentioned that these luxurious yachts were appointed with on-board saunas!". Ever closer to Rio, the conversation between crew volunteers has changed to reflections on the leg to date and the feasting that lies ahead of them in port. Organised entertainment throughout this 10 month race is out, as Sarah Brice of Concert reports: There is "no sleeping/reading/playing tiddly winks when on watch. No improving your all over tan on the foredeck, idly turning the pages of a Jilly Cooper and waiting for someone to hand you a gin and tonic, (in my dreams)". There is endless thinking time, which she describes as "a real luxury". With the thinking also comes the art of conversation: Report received from Global Teamwork on Sunday 20 October "We discuss topics wide and wonderful, but avoid those taboo subjects on a boat - politics and religion. Not that I think any of this lot have a religious bone in their body!" Report received from Concert at 19.30 hrs GMT on Sunday 20 October "We've so far avoided setting the world to rights. We haven't solved the politics of Northern Ireland, berated anyone for their religious beliefs, or waded into the abortion issue. There seems to be tacit agreement that we're not ready for that yet. Plenty of time for pontificating over the next nine months, when we know each other better". Report received from Heath Insured II at 08.44 hrs GMT on Monday 21 October " Talk has turned to meals and drink we're looking forward to in Rio. One of our watch leaders managed to appear on time for the first time yesterday. Another crew member, when told we were thinking about a sail change, put on his foulies and was found asleep on the weather rail two hours later!" For updated information on the BT Global Challenge: Internet site: http://www.btchallenge.com Fax database: 0990 321123 (+44 990 321123 from outside UK) Recorded telephone information line: 0891 505550 (UK only). Public information line: 01703 212124 (+44 1703 212124 from outside UK). Ceefax page 359 (UK only) |
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