Global
Challenge - Global Challenge Race Committee Announce
Intention To Protest Pindar
31st March '05
-
Race Committee to protest Pindar for using engine
in reverse to remove kelp
- Imagine It. Done. extends lead to 12nm over
2nd place Spirit of Sark
- Variable conditions give way to steady winds
from the west
The Global Challenge Race Committee today (31st
March 2005) announced their intention to protest
Pindar, “for a breach of RRS [Racing Rules
for Sailing] 42.1 following notification, under
General Sailing Instruction 20, of the use of
their engine in reverse gear at 1530 (local time)
on the 27th March 2005.”
Pindar
were at position 44.39S 50.33E when the incident
in question occurred, in 17/18 knots of headwind.
After a report of a sluggish helm, kelp was found
to be trailing under the transom. Assuming the
rudder was fouled, Pindar was brought hove-to
and the crew attempted to dislodge the kelp using
the boat hook.
In
the heat of the moment the engine was engaged
for approximately 1-3 minutes in reverse gear
only. This time, again using the boot hook, a
large ball of kelp was freed from its position
where it had indeed been fouling the rudder before
racing resumed.
The
crew then recognised, with the benefit of hindsight,
that this action may be regarded as a breach of
RRS Rule 42.1 and immediately notified the race
committee. In accordance with the Sailing Instructions,
they will present a full written report to the
Race Committee within 24 hours of the leg finish.
The
Protest Hearing will take place on 14th April
at the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town. The
International Jury, appointed by ISAF, will hear
Pindar’s case along with any other protests
lodged within 24 hours of each yacht crossing
the finish line and award any penalties if deemed
necessary.
Race Update
“It’s not as cold when it smashes
you in the face...” The sea temperature
is finally rising for the Global Challenge fleet
according to Imagine It. Done. skipper Dee Caffari.
The
fleet is heading northwest in pleasant conditions
with 15-20 knots from the west-southwest and Imagine
It. Done. is still leading the way. The breeze
is gradually backing to the southwest and moderating
after a bout of variable conditions made sail-plan
decisions incredibly difficult.
“The
wind strength has been changing dramatically in
the last 24 hours from 0 - 35 knots,” wrote
Team Stelmar skipper Clive Cosby this morning,
“we've had thunderstorms and dead calm.
Boat speed has therefore also varied from -1 (backwards)
to 12 knots down the line. We have had to react
accordingly and are changing sails and reefs several
times during the watches.”
Imagine
It. Done. suffered in the variable winds, skipper
Dee Caffari reporting that, “Getting stuck
in every wind hole possible was not in the plan
or the weather file. However these things happen
and it is good for the crew to hoist every sail
in the forepeak and then pack a kite at the end
of it all! I am very frustrated and can only hope
that Spirit of Sark and BP Explorer get their
own wind holes to sit in.”
This
afternoon, however, the winds are far more reliable,
Dee Caffari reporting “more consistent breeze
and less swell so getting the boat going is a
lot easier.” And she has used them well;
Imagine It. Done. creeping ahead once again. Spirit
of Sark (2nd), skippered by Duggie Gillespie,
trail by 12nm and BP Explorer, skippered by David
Melville, trail by 22nm.
The
current estimated time of arrival for the lead
yachts is the afernoon of Monday 4th April.
Leaderboard DTF
Imagine
It. Done. 865nm
Spirit of Sark 877nm
BP Explorer 887nm
Pindar 923nm
Team Stelmar 927nm
Barclays Adventurer 985nm
SAIC La Jolla 995nm
Samsung 1,017nm
Me to You 1,038nm
BG SPIRIT 1,069nm
Team Save the Children 1,224nm
VAIO 1,369nm
For
further information on the race, please visit:
www.globalchallenge2004.com
