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BT GLOBAL CHALLENGE - TENSIONS RUN HIGH DUE TO LACK OF WIND Southampton (UK), Tuesday 3rd June 1997 Frustrations continue as the High Pressure System has been trying its hardest to bring the BT Global Challenge yachts to a standstill. The majority of the yachts reported to be just about moving under their light weight spinnakers, which wildly undulate, then collapse vainly trying to gain speed in the fickle conditions. As Chay Blyth so rightly reminded the crew at the start of this leg "races are won and lost in light airs." In moderate to strong winds, identical boats with power to spare can all sail at about the same speed even if not perfectly trimmed, whereas in light airs, keeping a boat moving is difficult. Those who find spots with just a few knots more breeze will escape first, making dozens or even hundreds of miles before anyone else can make headway. Courtaulds International proved this when she jumped from 8th to 3rd position last Sunday. Steve Callahan on board Courtaulds International explains that, "it is very frustrating to sail in light airs, and it demands the utmost attention. The slamming about of the sails can actually stress them, the rig, and the crew's nerves more than heavy weather. In these conditions, personal fuses can run mighty short, especially as we see our smugly-passed competitors gaining on us again." Courtaulds International's closest competitor, who is intent on catching her up, is Toshiba Wave Warrior. Lying some 70 miles behind, she realises that this will be a huge challenge at this stage, especially with the forecast headwinds expected in the coming days, but "she is nevertheless our new target," writes Jo Dawson. Ocean Rover, Pause to Remember, Heath Insured and Global Teamwork reported to have found themselves in a hole again this morning, despite all efforts to avoid it. During discussions on board Pause to Remember yesterday, the crew came to the conclusion that a pact exists between the Azores High and the ITCZ (the Doldrums) to ensure that "if you pass through one unscathed, then you can be sure the other will be waiting for you with avengeance." Time & Tide is having her own problems besides the no wind scenario. Both her wind instruments and steering compass have broken. Being the two pieces of equipment that the crew rely on to help steer the boat, Time & Tide's course has consequently been a bit erratic. Skipper James Hatfield was pleased to report that "fortunately the rest of the fleet parked themselves up big time enabling us to regain some lost ground. Also, our other disadvantage is that we lack the upper body weight/strength required to maintain the demanding task of continual sail changes and gybing. We still intend not to be last into Boston." At 07:50 hrs GMT today, Time and Tide was lying 68 miles behind 3Com. Unlike the majority of the fleet, Commercial Union was counting her blessings this morning as she had found some wind and was on the move again. Crew member Nick Auger writes, "it's amazing what a little bit of wind in the right direction can do to lift morale, and allow us to focus on the job in hand once again - i.e. to get into Boston as quickly as possible. Now all we have to concern ourselves with is whether to change from spinnakers to headsails as opposed to gybe or not to gybe, peel or not to peel." The other concern for some of the crew, was the potential lack of food. Menus had been re- arranged when they thought their ETA was earlier than expected. Heath Insured II is hoping that she doesn't end up with Macaroni Cheese for three to four days whilst Global Teamwork was worried that she could go hungry if the current agony of no wind is prolonged. With the calmer conditions the yachts have endured lately, the crews have had a chance to admire the wildlife around them. Popular sightings have been Portuguese Man O'War (jellyfish infamous for their sting), whilst great excitement was had on board Motorola yesterday when a school of about 20 whales was spotted. 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 only) |
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