Ticking boxes - 31 August 2010
The Clipper entries continue to encounter a variety of mixed conditions in the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Yacht Race as they close in on the final sprint to the finish.
“All we hadn't seen yet was flat calm. But at least now we can say we've ticked that box too” reports Hull & Humber skipper Piers Dudin, who’s team continue to play a game of cat and mouse with the 54 foot yacht, John B.
“We're still in the company of John B, who it turns out, after Flavio did the maths, we actually need to beat by 21 hours in order to beat overall, which is unlikely as we've been pretty close to them the whole way.”
But his team are still focused and motivated for a strong final push especially as their ten day target is still achievable, “It's looking up hill all the way to the finish. The 10 Day target is starting to look a tall order but a worthy challenge for Umba and her fast developing crew” said Piers.
Both the Yorkshire and the Scottish entries are heading down the west coast of Ireland as on board Edinburgh Inspiring Capital the crew have experienced similar calm conditions to their Clipper rivals, “We had very little wind - we tried the lightweight kite, then the wind seeker went up and down twice and we eventually went back to the number 1 Yankee but our boat speed was frustratingly slow” explained crew member Caroline Aylott, who was aboard Cork in the Clipper 09-10 Race.
“It is strange being on Edinburgh Inspiring Capital after sailing on Cork for the first three legs of the Clipper 09-10 Race. I think even though the Clipper boats are identical they have their own quirks and personalities. Different skippers also have their own individual ways of doing things which I have found interesting and all good in helping me to learn” continued Caroline.
As the race enters its final stages the news was revealed that the Volvo Open 70, Groupama, crossed the Royal Yacht Squadron Line to claim line honours as well as smashing the 1802 mile course in 5 Days 21 Hours 26 minutes and 55 seconds, surpassing the previous course record by 14 hours 3 minutes and 8 seconds.
Competition is still fierce within the rest of the fleet and Edinburgh Inspiring Capital signalled their intent signing off “We will keep chasing Hull and Humber.”
This time last year
30 August 2010
Piers Dudin, skipper of Hull & Humber writes on their progress in the Round Britain and Ireland Race as the rest of us enjoy the delights of a Bank Holiday. “Another 24hrs down, another 195nm closer to home. Despite light winds over night the crew have been feverishly handling the medium kite,working ‘Umba’ down wind, the helm and the trim continuously communicating wind and speed information to each other.
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Edinburgh pull their socks up
29 August 2010
While the bulk of the pack find themselves heading towards the halfway point of the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland race, up ahead the Clipper teams of Hull & Humber and Edinburgh Inspiring Capital are out in the Atlantic and closing in on the Emerald Isle.
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