“Talking Sailing” From My Archives. More Light Winds

by Richard Crockett

Another light day and no doubt more frustrations for those at sea as well as amongst the landlubbers following them.

Of the monohulls, just ‘Sterna’ managed more than 100nm in 24 hours, the next best being ‘Atalanta’ and ‘Translated 9′ with 89nm each. ‘Nyamazela’ managed just 30nm in the same period!

Right now it’s looking like a slow race although the pace is picking up a little with ‘Translated 9′, ‘Atalanta’ and ‘Nemesis all averaging over 6 knots at the last satellite update on the YB Tracker, but will it last?

The two cats, ‘Norhi’ and ‘Aventurerio 4′ continued to lead the fleet.

On IRC handicap the leader board has changed again with ‘Atalanta’ wearing the leaders crown, and ‘Sterna’, after a good performance in the light, rocketing up to second overall.

There is no doubt a lot of head-scratching going on aboard as the navigators and skippers scour the weather info at their disposal and look for the wind patches rather than the windless holes! An example of the desperate tactics playing out in search of the wind is that ‘Ray of Light’ is pointing almost due north in her search for wind. Only time will tell whether this is a “rooster or feather-duster” tactic!

Remember the YB Tracker updates every four hours, so keep a weather eye on it throughout the day as there may well be some make or break moments that play out.

There are more newspaper cuttings from days of yore today.

1973. Wish Them ‘Fair Winds’ As the Gun Booms. READ IT HERE:  1973 01 11 – Rio 1973 – S&A – 000076 – OCR

1973. Yachtsmen Are Anxious Now. READ IT HERE:  1973 01 11 – Rio 1973 – S&A – 000078 – OCR

1973. Richard Bertie: Commonly Known As Thirsty. READ IT HERE: 1973 01 11 – S&A – Rio 1973 – 000086 – OCR

1985. Fair Wind As Howard Davis Well Ahead of Fleet. READ IT HERE:  1985 01 11 – S&A – 440

1985. Long Haul to Uruguay. READ IT HERE: 1985 01 11 – S&A – stitched – 000018-1

1985. Rio Fleet Races Off Into Wild Atlantic Ocean. READ IT HERE:  1993 01 11 – S&A – 0222_001_Redacted

1993. Martin First Casualty in Cape-to-Rio Race. READ IT HERE:  1993 01 11 -S&A – 385

1996. Out In Front. READ IT HERE:  1996 01 11 – S&A – 068_Redacted

2000. Dolan’s Gamble Pays Off. READ IT HERE:  2000 01 11 – S&A – 764_Redacted