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BT GLOBAL CHALLENGE - OCEAN ROVER THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET Southampton (UK), Wednesday 18th December 1996 At 08.00 hrs GMT today Group 4 had managed to maintain her leading position over Save The Children who are sailing only 6 miles behind. Both yachts now have less than 2000 miles to go before they reach Wellington, and Save The Children's crew are celebrating, "We're just about to have an under 2000 miles to go party" wrote skipper Andy Hindley. As the majority of yachts hold their positions in the race, a new battle has emerged between Ocean Rover and Heath Insured II. After a good day's sailing, Heath Insured II overtook Ocean Rover to now lead her by 2 miles and move up to 10th position. Ocean Rover (now in 11th place) has Heath Insured II in her sights and has thrown down the gauntlet - a race to the finish in Wellington, with the stakes set high, at 6 crates of beer! What else could the stakes be for sailors who won't have seen a bar in 6 weeks... However a rise in the ranking was not the only cause for celebration on board Heath Insured II. Skipper Adrian Donovan celebrated his birthday, and although he couldn't take a day off the crew gave him the best birthday present he could have in the midst of the Southern Ocean - sleep, food, and a little something special: "The other event of yesterday was the Skipper's Birthday which didn't get off to a good start with various problems in the storm, we had winds of 35 - 45 knots for about 24 hours, but by mid- morning things had settled. Adrian was able to get some sleep and woke to a supper of Chilli con Carne followed by a jam sponge invention with custard. The crew gave him a large cigar." Meanwhile Heath Insured II's archrival Ocean Rover was weathering stormy seas and 50 knots of wind with good humour and a very vivid imagination. At 03:56 hrs GMT today crew member Humphrey Walters reported: "Sorry we missed yesterday's report. We were rather busy at the office and a bit tired out. We have been through the biggest blow so far on the trip. Quite a sleigh ride and the boat performed magnificently. Helming in these conditions is exciting. It's like going down a motorway following a giant articulated truck in the rain when you are trying to overtake. Imagine not having the windscreen. A wave broke on the yacht and I ended up against the backstay with no wheel in my hands. I'm too old for this kinda stuff!" The yachts are still encountering stormy weather, Concert is experiencing winds gusting 50 knots. Courtaulds International had a calmer day yesterday but is preparing herself to move into the frontal system where Concert is at present: Message received from Courtaulds International at 19:41 hrs GMT: "Having experienced 50 knot winds it was good to have a calm day, calm by Southern Ocean standards of only 30 knot winds. This morning another frontal system moves in and strong winds return." Crew member Simon Montague on Nuclear Electric writes: "We have been through our toughest Southern Ocean gale yet, with winds up to 46 knots. Charging up vast hills of grey water, sometimes with crest breaking, then slaloming down the other side as though on a ski slope. Helming in these conditions is the ultimate adrenalin buzz." The stormy weather has resulted in a number of bumps and bruises among the yacht crews. Brendan West (a crew member on board Time and Tide) hurt his leg in a fall in the cockpit on Monday December 16th. Medical advice has been sought from the fleet medical officers and Mr. West is resting as the yacht continues on her course to Wellington. A successful rendez-vous took place yesterday at 16.00 hrs GMT between Time and Tide and 3Com, so that additional supplies of pain killers could be transferred to Time and Tide as a precautionary measure. 3Com crew member Kieron O'Connell reported: "It is always greatly satisfying to be able to help someone else when they need it, especially at sea and when you are about as far from land as you can get. It was great to get so close to another BT yacht in the middle of the Southern Ocean after so many miles from Rio. The transfer went without a hitch and after wishing each other Happy Christmas, we went on our way." 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) |
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