Fossett Challenges - Cheyenne Still 4 Days Ahead Of RTW Record Pace

Tuesday 30 March 2004 - 1710 GMT - 575 miles W/SW of Praia, Cape Verde Islands: After 52-1/2 days on their Round The World record attempt, Steve Fossett and Cheyenne continue on their push North/Northwest up the Atlantic, benefiting from steady wind from the E/NE throughout today. A 206 nm run since 0510z this morning (avg 17.2 kts) keeps them 4 days ahead of record holder Orange's 2002 RTW pace. A sub 60 day record run seems tantalizingly possible.

Tom Mattus of Commanders Weather reports: "This wind will be pretty steady, and 'clocking' towards the E, then the SE over the next 2 days, and Cheyenne will turn towards the N and then NE by Thursday evening, when they hope to pick up the Low pressure system to their NW and ride it NE through Saturday. This Low will then dissipate and a cold front should be there to carry them towards the finish line. A Tuesday (Day 60) finish is possible".

Monday's close call with the front beam nearly coming away from the starboard hull could have put paid to all such optimism, but immediate reaction and repairs have meant that progress has only been slowed a little, at least in mild seas. The repairs of yesterday are holding, and are being improved today. As Dave Scully reports:
"We're making 17-20 kts as conditions have improved, the seas are smoothing and the sky is clear. Moose has made a splendid pin of old battens (110mm x 500 mm) and as soon as the glue dries we'll slide it in."

For further details and regular position updates, please see: www.fossettchallenge.com