Race report 4: Tough conditions in the Tasman

The weather front is currently passing over the race fleet producing challenging conditions for all. 

Mick Millis, Communications Officer for Sail Training International sailing aboard Young Endeavour (Australia), reports, äóìThe wind is really heavy now, gusting 60k with steady 45-50k. Heading 120 degrees and down to storm sails but still making 9.2 knots. Resorted easy to cook ravioli on board tonight, but all seems well in fleet.äó

Europa (Netherlands) remains ahead on corrected time and leads on the water with 611 miles to go to the finish line with Sprit of New Zealand (New Zealand) close behind. 

Paul Bishop, Race Director said, äóìWith lighter winds forecast after this gale has passed through, and with just 40 miles separating the racing fleet and over 600 miles to go, we are likely to see many more changes in placings all the way up to the finish line.

“The crews seem to be coping well with these challenging conditions by all reports and whilst the captains are racing hard, safety will be foremost in their minds and will have reefed well down accordinglyäó.

The top three placings on Corrected Times (handicap) are:

1st Europa

2nd Tecla

3rd Spirit of New Zealand

Crew log from Young Endeavour (Australia)

Monday 14 October 2013: Coming to terms

There are thrills and spills, they say, but the head scratching, planning, storing and excitement/trepidation of slipping out of the haven and into a long sea voyage is soon overtaken by the routine of watch-keeping, seeking the next weather forecast and preparing the next meal.

It’s after the first few days that the crew come to life, mal de mare forgotten, a routine established and the comradery spirit becomes established in the watches.

The morning watch can be heard practising the shanty to be broadcast to wake up the rest of the crew, signalling the start of another round of watches and day. Today there is a birthday on board and everybody knew about it early.  We have now been at sea for five days and after two gales and a severe storm, we are sitting back licking our wounds, mentally tired, but physically coming to terms with the rolling, pitch and general motion of the ship. Lessons go on, deeper and deeper into the theory and practice of driving a ship through the water under it’s own power generated from the wind.

Shortcomings are few and enthusiasm generally makes up for them, but there are lessons still to be learnt by the young enthusiastic crew. The more experienced are now looking for tasks in their quiet moments off watch. We have a DVD player and the major problem is that only DVD’s found to date are Topgun, AC/DC and a video of a ship rounding the Horn. You can only run them so many times The decks are still wet after the storms, so the joy of sitting out and spinning ‘ditties’ will have to wait.

Captains logs from Europa (Netherlands)

Sunday 13 October 2013: The battle with Oostershelde

In the morning the lookout reports a ship at the horizon, dead on our stern, the watch is ruffled up to set more canvas. “More Sails” Skysails, Gaff topŒÇsail, six knots, flying jib and trim the sails for crying out loud. Seven knots. Nevertheless sheŒÇs closing in, we appear to be dead in the water. Sh