Race report one: fascinating split in tactics amongst captains

The

already developed into a fascinating split in tactics amongst the captains.

Paul

Bishop, Race Director, Sail Training International reports.

äóìThe

Class A ships have chosen two distinct routes with some taking the challenge of

navigating up the Minch. The other group has chosen to take the longer but

faster route outside of the Hebrides. Although the inside group has less

distance to go to the finish line they are sailing much slower due to the

lighter winds in the area. These are due to increase but they are expected to

head them later today which will make their progress challenging.

“The

outside group of Class A ships, led by Statsraad Lehmkuhl, with Christian

Radich and Sorlandet (all from Norway) close behind her are benefiting

from the stronger and more consistent winds and they are making an impressive

10 knots.

äóìThe

smaller vessels in the fleet (Classes B, C & D) are all racing up through

the Minch with most of this group keeping to the east side of the passage.

Spaniel (Latvia) and Ocean Spirit of Moray (UK) have taken a more westerly

route and are currently leading ‘on the water’ as they have benefited from

better winds. Tomidi (Belgium) and the most easterly vessels suffering lighter

and more variable winds at this time.

äóìThe

wind is due to generally back to the north west late on Wednesday (8 July)

which should place the westerly group of Class A ships into a commanding

position but the weather pattern is not very predictable at present so there is

all to play for.äó

Positions were noted by the Race Committee at 0600 BST today, but up to date positions of the vessels can be seen on the ships satellite tracking system Yellow Brick – which is updated every quarter hour.