2004 Global Challenge - Spirit Of Sark Consolidate Narrow Lead: Conditions Easier Going Into Second Night

Spirit of Sark continue to hold a narrow lead from Samsung as the fleet enter the second night of the race.

Due to the earlier conditions, only now are reports coming in from the yachts.

All the yachts have reported a ‘lively’ first night with much seasickness. “The night was hard work with rough seas and the wind peaking at 40.5 knots - all good practice for the southern ocean.” Reported Samsung, although the teams seem to have experienced few problems.

Barclays described the scene. “The nights main crisis involved 6 weeks supply of suncream coming loose from its storage and several bottles emptying their contents over the floor and bunks; this area is now more like a skating rink.” Will sunburn be an issue later in the leg?

Around midday today the weather cleared and new weather pattern, with decreasing wind from the NW, lifted spirits. “We've now turned south the weather is a
lot calmer and sunny.” Reported BG SPIRIT, who earlier experienced gusts of over 48knots.

The lead pack of Spirit of Sark, Samsung and BP explorer, are being chased by the ‘pack’ led by Barclays Explorer and BG SPIRIT. Me to You and Team Pindar are bringing up the rear, after opting for a more Southerly route early on. With the breeze now looking stronger to the west and north, this may well have not been the smartest move, but with almost 6,000 miles to go it’s still anybodies race.

Looking forward, tomorrow promises to bring even lighter winds, with those to the north and west fairing best – the outlook is for a much sunnier and lighter few days. That will certainly test the crews.

Hopefully the near ‘radio silence’ from the yacht is now a thing of the past as they settle in and get used to the routine. We expect many more reports and maybe a few pictures tomorrow – we will keep you posted.

4 Oct 2004 19:43 GMT

Editorial Team