Sailing Magazine
pic by Trevor Wilkins
Day_10_Tuesday__140800GMT_Daily_Position_Report_PRINT_EMAIL
All eyes are on Maserati as she should power into Rio soon – and if she does she will not just break the record, but will smash it.
The last 60 to 100 nautical miles is always light and exceptionally testing, although this is unlikely to affect her record chances significantly. Soldidni has sailed a great race and positioned his trusty steed really well all race.
Of interest is the fact that the entire fleet in now west of the meridian, and just one boat, Scarlet Runner, has entered the 1000 nautical miles to go zone.
Looking at the Xtra-Link tracker I do like the positions of Scarlet Runner and Privateer as I think they may have an outside chance of overall handicap honours. An outside chance as the wind is going to be exceptionally light for the next 24 to 48 hours, and if they can maintain their current progress, they will be in with a chance.
One must also not write off Iskareen.
In the overall Class 1 standings Iskareen and Privateer have both overtaken Investec Ciao Bella on handicap, with Ciao Bella now in 5th spot.
Yolo continues to surprise as her sojourn south looked as if it may play against her, yet she continues to head the class 2 handicap stakes. Her more north westerly course now makes more sense, although she has a shade under 2000 nautical miles to go – a long, long way in which anything can happen!
Myrtle of Bonnievale now heads the multihull fleet.
The race is now on for overall handicap honours. If the wind goes light like the weather maps show, Maserati may well be able to pull off the double of line and handicap honours – but she has a long wait for the latter as this will be determined on time – so those with their eyes on the handicap honours had better hurry!
Check out the weather at www.passageweather.com
