Clipper 2002/2003 Race - Conditions are improving, but...
09:30, 17 August 2003
by Tim Hedges

The wind remains patchy and today it is the turn of the leaders to suffer with Jersey only managing 50 miles in the last 24 hours. Skipper Simon Rowell reported early this morning that they had had very little breeze throughout yesterday, barely able to make much more than a knot, and this has enabled the rest of the fleet to catch up quite dramatically. Of course "catch up" is a relative term, and reflects Simon's modest nature. Eroding their huge lead somewhat may be a more accurate expression.

It will be a relief for the rest to be moving again. Duty Skipper Rupert Parkhouse reported the wind this morning as Easterly force 4, but described yesterday as "nothing more than a series of puffs of breeze followed by enormous windholes". One problem they have is that the weather information for that part of the ocean fails to do justice to the variable nuances of the localised breezes and calms. Wind arrows showing 10 knots cover the whole area, but in reality this could mean less than 5 knots in some areas and over 15 in others. All the boats can do is to hope for the best for their little patch of ocean and try to look at a longer term strategy. For most this will just mean sailing as fast as they can manage towards the finish.

A major factor behind the lack of wind has been the absence of a clearly defined Atlantic high pressure system which should normally power the winds in this area. Although never as strong as the true winter trade winds, the breeze should at least have given them some pressure across this patch of ocean. The high does however now seem to be re-establishing, and so conditions should continue to improve. The problem is that the optimum conditions will now be behind them and as they head further north they would normally expect the wind to ease anyway. We have to face that with the possible exception of Jersey the fleet will be considerably delayed on their estimated arrival date.

Due to mechanical problems London Clipper have ceased racing and are continuing to make best speed towards the finish. If conditions allow they may re join the race, however for the moment we shall continue to display them in eighth place on the leaderboard.

Source: Clipper 2002/2003 Round The World Race Official Site