| ||||||||||||
|
BT GLOBAL CHALLENGE - SEAS FLEX THEIR MUSCLES AS GUSTS REACH 37KNOTS Southampton (UK), Thursday 12 December 1996 Whilst followers of the BT Global Challenge enter into the Christmas spirit, thinking about what presents to buy for friends and families, the minds of the crew are concentrating on racing to their next waypoint, the Concert Gate, in the cold and wet of the Southern Ocean. Group 4 reported that a stormy night was had with squalls gusting up to 37knots and "wild seas resembling the inside of an automatic washing machine"! At 07:50 hrs GMT today, there was no change in the order of the fleet. The wind is now on the nose of the yachts as they head towards the Concert Gate, some 260 miles away. Global Teamwork (3rd) and Concert (4th) have taken a more northerly course to leader Group 4, whilst Save the Children is on a tack down-wind of her. Only 29 miles separate these four yachts, which is a no distance at all in terms of ocean racing and positions can easily change. High boat speeds are being attained as the yachts crash through the waves, inspite of the minimal sail area being flown due to gale force conditions. In the last 24 hours, Group 4 has held the highest boat speed, averaging 9 knots. 3Com (10th), has kindly offered to open her hatch to anyone wishing to join her and the crew on board. Her hospitality has stretched to joining the crew for a re-hydrated chicken korma and drinks which are "always held on deck from about 1900 hrs GMT, but please bring your full thermals including full face balaclava". Directions to reach 3Com are as follows: "Head down the M3 and keep on going until you reach 56South 109 West" where she will wait in case visitors find themselves stuck "in a whale traffic jam". One must bear in mind however, that as Commercial Union commented "at the current angle of heel, doing anything in the heads, including showers, is a special challenge". Not to put any of those wishing to take up this offer, a crew member on board Commercial Union during the 1992/3 British Steel Challenge said that the Southern Ocean was the most testing part of the voyage and that "the cold and damp were so extreme that had the QE2 turned up with berths at £10,000 each, all 14 of us might have been tempted to jump ship". The crews faces are not continually being sand-blasted by the bullets of rain and spray, but surprisingly there are moments of sunshine. Toshiba Wave Warrior cherished these sunny hours yesterday, which she reported to have brightened the mood of the crew as the ocean was no longer "a beast to be wary of, but instead turned into a beautiful blue vista with crystal clear heads". By the evening, however, this had all changed and the oppressive clouds and gangs of squalls had taken over again. Ocean Rover, presently lying in 11th position, reported putting all effort in attempt to gain ground on the fleet. Australian crew member Lyn Guy was reported to have put in a great stint at the helm this morning, as she heads nearer home territory, "greasing through the racing line and avoiding the big crashes on the roller coaster ride". Helming becomes the major area of effort, which is an exhausting task, and although exhilarating can be frightening at the same time, especially when sea begins to "flex its muscles" (Toshiba Wave Warrior). All crew on board are ever-hopeful that Santa will fill their 14 stockings, if he can make his way through the saloon hatch - where if he is lucky he will avoid the "singing of Christmas carols, rugby club style". (Ocean Rover) 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 enquiry bureau : 01703 212124 (+44 1703 212124 from outside UK) Ceefax page 388 (UK) |
 Let's Talk |
 |
Copyright British Telecommunications plc 1996.
Notices| (i) | Copyright British Telecommunications plc 1996. |
| (ii) | Access to this information/data or any part of this page via the World Wide Web must only be by linking to the relevant page on the BT Global Challenge Web Site. (http://www.btchallenge.com/results/latest/latest.htm) |
| (iii) | This information/data was originally produced by "BT's Race Information System". BT shall not be liable for use of any part of it. Subject to (ii), you may use the information/data alone provided this notice is included. |
| (iv) | You may copy and use any part of this page, other than on the World Wide Web, provided you include all of these notices. You must not charge for public use and before such use you must inform BT by facsimile to 0171 777 7444 or email to h.brierley@btinternet.com stating the intended use. |
| (v) | Inform BT (as in notice (iv)) if your platform is not world wide web. |
| (vi) | Map data was produced using MundoCart/CD (a digital product of Petroconsultants Group). BT shall not be liable for use of any part of it. |