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BT GLOBAL CHALLENGE - CREWS HAPPY TO BE SAILING AGAIN Southampton (UK), Thursday 21 November 1996 Not the best of conditions were to be had for the start of leg two of the BT Global Challenge as the yachts set off from Rio yesterday afternoon. Pouring rain, minimal wind, and a mist which obscured both Sugar Loaf mountain and Corcobabo. Even Copacabana beach was blanketed. However, these conditions did not succeed in lowering morale on board and the crews reported to be very happy to be sailing, settling into the watch routine and finding their sea legs again. Although the drizzle never ceased over night, the wind has picked up increasing boat speeds to 9 knots under spinnaker, and the crews are now focusing on the next 41 days of their race to Wellington. At 07:50 hrs GMT, Concert was just leading Toshiba Wave Warrior and highest climber Save the Children who were both lying one mile behind. In the last 12 hours, Commercial Union have fallen back to 6th place behind Nuclear Electric and Motorola, and Time & Tide has retained her lead over Group 4 in 10th position, whilst Pause to Remember and Heath Insured II bring up the rear. The yachts are presently enjoying the gentle winds as they make their way southwards towards Cape San Diego. All the yachts are in a tight pack and keeping the pressure on Concert. In their minds must be visions of this daunting 7,000 mile passage that lies ahead; They will have read and heard that at the infamous Cape, the winds are gale force most days and stormy the rest, building up to hurricane force for three or four days each month. After that, they could meet the full force of the low pressure systems sweeping eastward around the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties. There will also be the ever-present threat of running into an iceberg or growlers that break off the main berg and lie unseen, semi-submerged beneath the waves. If the vision reaches as far as Wellington, a memorable New Years Eve celebration will be in store after accomplishing such a feat. In the first few hours of setting sail, all crews reported to be savouring every sacred mouthful of fresh food, and resuming their yachting lifestyle: Report received from Nuclear Electric at 11:30 hrs GMT on 21 November: "The Rio start was a far cry from our departure from Southampton, with only a handful of boats to see us off. At first it seemed as though it would take as long to get away from Rio as it did to arrive three weeks ago. We crossed the starting line under grey skies, light rain and even lighter winds, and after an hour were almost becalmed. Ever so slowly we left the high rise beach front of Copacabana behind, blanketed in low cloud that seemed almost to be resting on the roof tops. We crossed the line third, but the temptations of steak, onion and mash led to a lapse of concentration over dinner which set us back several places, to the anger of the skipper. Suitably chastised, the crew were spurred into action, regaining ground overnight with the accurate helming and continual trimming we will need throughout the next six weeks". Report received from Group 4 at 10:03 hrs GMT on 21 November: "All very wet and miserable start to leg two. Not what we'd expected or wanted. Slow to get started with light winds and a mist which obscured both Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Continual drizzle all night making life damp and uncomfortable, but more wind. All finding feet and sea legs again. Emotions in turmoil as we set off on this most daunting leg. Routines need a little oiling". 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 information line : 0891 505550 (UK only) Public enquiry bureau : 01703 212124 (+44 1703 212124 from outside UK) Ceefax page 359 (UK only)) |
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