BG
Group first to the Scilly Isles - top 3 yachts
neck and neck: LogicaCMG on their heels
20
Apr 2003 09:17 GMT
UPDATE 14.30 Local
Although
BG Group were first round the Scilly Isles early
this morning, the latest position report indicates
there is nothing now separating the first three
yachts - LogicaCMG, BG Group and Spirit of Southampton.
They
are sailing in virtually the same stretch of water
in close proximity to each other. With no tactical
positioning advantage, the crews will be working
hard trimming to squeeze out any additional boat
speed.
From
this morning
Overnight has seen some spectacular and fast racing
and within the past couple of hours all the yachts
have successfully round the Scilly Islands less
than 24 hours from the start.
This
first "stage" of the race has seen incredible
drama and close racing.
Leading
the fleet is BG Group closely followed by LogicaCMG
only a mile behind. Then Spirit of Southampton,
who led for much of yesterday in the Solent, the
Daily Telegraph and Basilica.
The
group at the rear of the fleet is made up of Spirit
of Hong Kong, Team Spirit and Vail Williams all
of whom suffered spectacular broaches in the Solent.
As
Mark Taylor said in his daily log "it was
a marginal decision to fly the kite". Unfortunately
for those who chose the kite option in the Solent,
the conditions proved too much.
All
three broached and suffered varying degrees of
damage. Team Spirit broke a spinnaker pole, while
Vail Williams shredded their kite.
The
dramas of the Solent were to be repeated later
on into the day. Reading the first daily logs
coming off the yachts, it seems that both Spirit
of Southampton and BG Group also broached with
their kites up while surfing down the uneven swell.
With
speeds of around 20 knots, this has been fast,
furious and exciting sailing.
The
forecast is for north-easterly 5 of 6 but dropping
to around Force 3 to 4. With the fleet rounding
the Scilly Isles, they will be heading up onto
a close reach as they head to the southern tip
of Island.
Editorial
Team - www.roundbritainchallenge.com
