LATEST
POSITIONS
SOMEBODY TURNED THE FANS BACK ON
22
January 2003 - 1.30pm (local time)
The
first fleet of the SAP Cape to Rio 2003 started
racing 18 days ago, and several boats still have
many miles to cover before reaching Carnival City,
Rio de Janeiro.
NOTE:RESULTS
PAGE WILL UPDATE AFTER 4.00 pm - Local Time
The Majority of the 32 entries have reported wind
and are making good progress towards the mark
at Ilha da Trinidade. They have to go North of
the mark before turning Southwest for Rio and
the finish of the SAP Cape to Rio 2003.
Handicap
standings are unchanged for the moment, but much
can change with two weeks to go before the official
cut-off date.
Swedish
entry, the 60-foot trimaran, Nicator, has already
rounded the mark and should to be in Rio late
Thursday. Klabbe Nylof reported that it has been
easy sailing thus far, with the biggest challenge
being the heat and a lack of breeze at times.
At last-contact Nicator reported averaging 20
knots and are feeling positive about expected
winds into Rio. Although the possibility of Nicator
reaching Rio in under 12 days/16 hours is very
slim, skipper Klabbe Nylof says that they haven’t
given up, and that with an extreme trimaran, anything
can happen. Chasing them is the Brazilian catamaran,
Adrenalina Pura. She’s like a racehorse,
she smells home and nothing is going to stop her
getting there.
It
is clear that there is no monohull this year able
to challenge the record of 12 days/16 hours set
by American maxi, Zephyrus IV back in 2000. The
80 foot German maxi, Morning Glory was the major
contender, however, even before the race skipper
and owner, Hasso Plattner played down their chances
based on anticipated weather and wind.
The
SAP Cape to Rio 2003 has many interesting individuals
participating, one of whom is Briton, Alistair
Humphrey. Alistair is currently on a mission to
cycle around the world.
Alistair,
onboard Maiden, having already cycled from London,
through Europe and all of Africa will cycle South
and North America upon reaching Rio.
Amongst
the 42 footers, Baleka leads Investec with the
Dutch team, Madiba racing and South African Navy
entry, Fascination of Power chasing.
At
the back of the field, several boats, including
LoveLife, Forsdicks BMW, 34° South, Big Reef
and Madam Pazzaz have a lot of work to do to be
in Rio before 5 February.
Source:
SAP
Cape To Rio Race - Official Site
