Vic - Maui Yacht Race - Fog, Wind & Whales
by Alan Hannam 30 Jun 2000 07:23 BST
The fleet continues to spend a good deal of its time sailing in fog, but fortunately there is enough breeze. Most boats report winds around 12-16 knots. GRAND ILLUSION continues to lead Class A, with 282 miles made in the last 24 hours. RENEGADE looks like she has found her pace, matching GRAND ILLUSION for daily mileage. Both yachts have averaged 11-12 knots. In Class B, JOIA found something extra, averaging 9 knots, and logging the best distance for her class. In Class C, NIGHT RUNNER averaged 8 knots and is now first. PRAIRIE VOYAGER leads Class D. The Fleet Standings show the first three places belong to GRAND ILLUSION, NIGHT RUNNER and PURSUIT (in that order).
FARR-ARI reports close encounters with whales, while FASTRACK has already sighted some dolphins and albatrosses. All this fauna must be quite a treat for 13 year-old Zack Tuck on DARBY, a 39 ft C&C. Lynne Ellwell (62) has probably seen it all before. This is Lynne's third Vic-Maui. She also has six Chicago Makinaws, and a previous Nor-Pac under her belt. Lynne is sailing on Sam Slentz's PENDRAGON III, currently placed 6th overall.
For the first time since dedication of the Team Trophy, two clubs are competing for honours. Lahaina Yacht Club has three entries; MIDNIGHT SPECIAL, GRAND ILLUSION and SHOW ME (home-port Missouri). Royal Vancouver Yacht Club is represented by RENEGADE, FASTRACK and TETHRA. The Commodore of Lahaina Yacht Club, however, happens to be sailing on an RVYC boat.
Our Website address is www.vicmaui.org. Daily Race Reports can be found in its News Center/Daily Reports Section, and there is a Discussion Group in the News Centre/Discussion Group. Local television coverage will be on CHEKtv in Victoria and VTV in Vancouver during their evening news programs.