* Low pressure system delivers strong headwinds across the fleet
* California makes repairs to mainsail in tricky conditions
* Edinburgh Inspiring Capital chases the pack in some very wet
conditions
With the first 1,000 miles of the race to California almost completed,
the forecasted low pressure system has finally arrived and the skippers
who were cursing the lack of wind yesterday now find themselves with
more than they bargained for. Strong headwinds have been hard going on
the teams and they will all be looking forward to the wind shifting
round and a return to the fast downwind sailing the Clipper 68s relish.
What a difference 24 hours makes,” says Jim Dobie, skipper of Uniquely
Singapore. “Yesterday we were in little wind and then bang! In rushed 30
to 40 knots and it has been with us ever since. The frustrating thing
has been the angle we have been forced to sail at and have lost quite a
bit of ground to the south. But as the low moves through, the wind will
veer round and we can head due north again before the wind settles in
behind us and we can get back to the fast downwind weather we love.
“The crew are a little worse for wear with tiredness etched on their
faces and all their clothes wet and damp. But as I always say, nothing
stays the same in the ocean and once we’re back in the high, clothes
will dry, skies will brighten and the smiles will return.”
Hull & Humber’s skipper, Piers Dudin, says, “The seas are getting a
little confused and the occasional slam jolts memories of our trip past
Taiwan. We’ve nearly reached the top of the hill in terms of our upwind
beat and are looking forward to giving Hull & Humber an easier ride
downwind.”
“Even moving round below decks requires constant effort in the confused
seas and as the wind shifts it’s likely to become even more so.”
Life on deck is just as difficult as that down below and none more so
than for the crew on board California.
“We needed to take the mainsail down and completely remove it from the
mast track in order to repair the top five sliders that had become
detached, ” explains skipper Pete Rollason. “This is no easy feat in the
shelter of a marina, let alone on a rough ocean in the conditions we’re
currently experiencing. The crew worked tirelessly to complete the
repairs and with everyone exhausted and soaking wet we hoisted the
mainsail.”
The strong headwinds are certainly taking their toll but the wind
strength continues to vary making sail choice particularly tricky as Jan
Ridd, skipper of Cape Breton Island explains.
“Most of the crew are coming to terms with having to sail close hauled
for the next few days as we fight our way out into the Pacific. The wind
is building and dropping and the highest gust our instruments have shown
was 48 knots, which dropped just minutes later to 19 knots.
“With the wind varying so much, the boat was set up last night for the
worst, with the storm jib accompanied by our normal staysail and the
third reef in the main. If the wind built the staysail could be dropped
allowing us to go into complete safe mode. Today the problem we have is
the boat is a little underpowered and just as we think we should put
more sail up the wind builds, the boat heels right over again and the
decision is made for us.”
Qingdao’s skipper, Chris Stanmore-Major, believes the worst is yet to
come and if he is right the already tired crews will need to dig deep to
find that extra bit of strength and determination.
“A great night’s sailing on board Qingdao with us returning to the
conditions we favoured so much during our time in the South China Sea,”
says Chris. “Last night however was only a precursor to the real show
which will probably start within the next 30 hours.
“With 40 knot winds predicted we will be experiencing up to 50 on the
nose if we are unfortunate enough to be at that angle to the wind. My
hope is that we can take some of that brutish wind strength on the beam
to catapult the dragon forward to the super sonic speeds we love.”
For the team on Edinburgh Inspiring Capital, the change in conditions
came all too quickly but according to skipper Matt Pike his crew are
revelling in the challenge as they push to Scottish boat hard to make
gains on the rest of the fleet.
Matt says, “Misty drizzle and a rolling swell was the weather as we
chased the small patches of breeze to reach the fleet – all the time
knowing soon the wind would fill in. It came in one solid wave and
caught us midway between sail changes.
“The chase begins now through the wet. We have salty spray, the slightly
fresher rain and the most easily identified, the solid wall of water
that comes crashing back swamping the whole boat. Below is no better as
everything is wet, no longer just damp but wringing wet. The crew have
stopped mentioning wet bunks but just crash out as they are for a much
needed rest before going ‘over the top’ through the companionway and
back into the fight. Still smiling the hardened crew take our tough
little boat forwards and push to gain those precious miles on the
competition.”
Meanwhile, back in Qingdao, Team Finland’s crew will be keeping a close
eye on the fleet’s progress as they await the arrival of their
replacement mast. The 90-foot spar has left Luxemburg and whilst the
Clipper Race team is doing everything to ensure a timely delivery in
Qingdao the journey is at the mercy of shipping agents, airlines and
customs. Team Finland is just ten points behind overall race leaders,
Spirit of Australia, having been awarded one point by the Race Committee
for Race 6 from Singapore to Qingdao. They will therefore be hoping for
a fast run across the Pacific if they are to close the gap and regain
the top spot once more.
Positions at 0900 UTC, Monday 8 March
Boat DTF* DTL*
1 Spirit of Australia 4662nm
2 California 4712nm 50nm
3 Qingdao 4726nm 63nm
4 Cape Breton Island 4747nm 84nm
5 Hull & Humber 4748nm 85nm
6 Jamaica Lightning Bolt 4751nm 89nm
7 Uniquely Singapore 4766nm 104nm
8 Edinburgh Inspiring Capital 4779nm 116nm
9 Team Finland 5612nm 180nm
10 Cork Did not start