Race report 6: Europa has extended her lead

Europa (Netherlands) has extended her lead and is now 38 miles ahead on the water – and at her current rate of speed will pass the first race course Way Point off Cape Reinga in about 14 hours.  

Spirit of New Zealand (New Zealand) and Tecla (Netherlands) have been locked into some match racing over the past day or two, at times in sight of each other, with Tecla coming through to be 10 miles ahead of Spirit of New Zealand.

Another match racing duel is going on further behind between Young Endeavour (Australia) and Oosterschelde (Netherlands), with Young Endeavour now ahead.

Current placings on Corrected Time are:

1st   Europa

2nd Tecla

3rd Spirit of New Zealand

Paul Bishop, Race Director, Sail Training International said, äóìThe sailing conditions are ideal for the ships at present but are due to become very light after they have passed Cape Reinga, which is likely to make the final stages of this race very tactical. We could see further changes in placings right up to the finish line off the Bay of Islands.äó

Crew log from Europa (Netherlands)

Tuesday 15 October 2013: Roller coaster ride in the Tasman Sea

It may be one of the most different roller coasters in the world, but for us crew on Europa, it is one hell of a ride. 

Sailing along in the Tasman Sea close hauled to beam reaching in 30 knot plus winds, sailing at an average of 10 knots makes for an interesting ride. There are no loop to loops, or hair raising bends that you get on roller coasters in theme parks around the world, but then, you only spend an average of a few minutes on those rides. Whereas here at sea, our roller coaster ride has lasted for coming up to three days.

For us guys in Blue Watch, what is already a new and different experience when sailing flat, is made even more challenging when the ship is healing over. We are all learning the art of heavy weather helming, and all understand the importance of having one hand for yourself and one hand for the ship. 

We time our runs from the safety of the deckhouse, to the poop deck where we conduct our lookout and helm duties, in order not to get soaked by the water that is constantly sweeping over the main deck. It’ becoming a common sight to see water coming in through the scuppers, and every now and then over the capping rails. Even below decks, common duties like walking between cabins and eating meals can be interesting entertainment.

The funny thing is – I think Europa is enjoying herself – being able to stretch her legs, sailing along under topsails, fore course and lower staysails. She is obviously built to handle these conditions with her thicker than normal sails. We’ve just got to have faith in the ship, and the permanent crew who sail her, especially when they race up the rigging in these trying conditions to furl away sails.

It’ probably more expensive than you standard roller coaster ride, but I’ll take this one any day, as it’ not often you get to experience it.

Crew log from Young Endeavour (Australia)

Tuesday 15 October 2013: Trainees

The trainees which joined on the morning of departure from Sydney should really be known as ‘returnees’ because they had all done one trip before. Very few knew each other and they were like any