Heineken Cape to Bahia Race - Finish
by Peridot Communications 15 Jan 2006 15:01 GMT
RECORD SHATTERED IN HEINEKEN CAPE TO BAHIA
The Brazilian catamaran Adrenalina Pura crossed the finish line in Salvador at approximately 18h00 local time (23h00 SA time) on Saturday evening to take line honours in the multi-hull class of the Heineken Cape to Bahia yacht race. With her awe-inspiring performance and crossing time of 10 days 8 hours and 1 minute, Adrenalina shattered the previous crossing record by just over to five days. Skippered by owner George Ehrensperger and Donald Wright, Adrenalina Pura set the record of 15 days 8 hours and 44 minutes in the 2003 Cape to Rio race when multi-hulls were for the first time allowed to enter the race.
As predicted, she beat the race organisers to Salvador and two travelling South African journalists and officials from the nautical centre CENAB became the official race time keepers in the absence of the race committee. Seasoned followers of the race reckon that this record could stand unbroken for several future races. Adrenalina Pura and her crew received a boisterous welcome to Bahia, the land of the drums, with dancing girls in traditional costumes and musical troupes waiting at the quayside to welcome them home.
According to Ehrensperger, it has been an absolutely incredible race. “We had the best sailing on the first night of the race when the boat reached a top speed of 27 knots. We’ve been really lucky as our wind never slackened and we had no problems on board. We literally just had the best weather ever,” said Ehrensperger shortly after his arrival. Ehrensperger played a huge role in persuading local organisers and the Bahian authorities to bring the race to its new finishing port of Salvador, capital of the state Bahia, for the first time in the illustrious history of the South Atlantic race, which was first sailed in 1971.
“I suspect that this might actually be my last South Atlantic race, although the boat might be back to defend her record. I would, however, very much like to stay involved in the organisational side of the race. I think this is an absolutely amazing and exciting race. It has huge potential to grow and I’d like to play a part in that,” mentioned Ehrensperger.
In the race for handicap honours and the coveted South Atlantic trophy, a ding-dong battle is developing between the front runners. Most of the fleet is currently almost becalmed as the dreaded South Atlantic high pressure system lives up to its reputation of ruining races. Except for handicap leader Windsong and the more northerly located Polo Sport Gumption, the reports of frustratingly slow progress have poured in from all the boats.
Windsong still leads Suidoos 2 in second position with John Martin in third position on MTU Fascination of Power in third position. Double-handed entry Devonvale Broadreach with JJ Provoyeur and Anthony Spillebeen has moved up into fourth place and German entry Mamelie in fifth.
Veteran sailor John Martin, skipper of the naval entry MTU Fascination of Power, has posed the question whether paddling is against race regulations. “This is literally what they call being up the creek with no paddle. Well, at least we’re maintaining our sense of humour. With an average speed of 3½ knots there’s not much else we can do,” wrote Martin.
Rob Meek on Windsong still enjoys the handicap lead and is delighted with their pre-race tactics. “Our more northerly course has definitely paid off as the boats to the south of us have been trapped in the South Atlantic High. Our secret weapon to get Windsong through the high was to unleash the three Vaalies on the boat. For them the South Atlantic High is like heavy weather sailing compared to what they are used to sailing in on the Vaal Dam. Wingsong is behaving like a highly spirited filly in these conditions and her large billowing spinnakers are able to get her moving
fast in almost any wind,” wrote skipper Rob Meek from on board Windsong.
Meek reckons he has pulled together a highly balanced team with three Gauteng sailors, two Capetonians and one Durbanite. As navigator, Wolf Seitz brings his experience of a handicap win in the previous Cape to Rio race to the game, while Craig Schweitzer is on as general crew and Graeme Willcox, winner of the recent Fireball nationals, is a specialist helmsman. Matt Trautman from Durban is the bowman and will be Windsong’s delivery skipper back to the United Kingdom. Sieraj Jacobs from Cape Town has taken a break from the Shosholoza crew and is bringing a high level of professionalism to Windsong from his America’s Cup experience.
Gauteng businessman Nicholas Mace on Polo Sport Gumption has put his instrument problems behind him and is still worrying the rest of the fleet. “Except for Gumption and Windsong, the more southern boats are trapped in low to zero winds and according to predictions can expect no relief for the next three days. On the other hand we are making in excess of 180 miles per day and expect to increase this substantially if we can jump into the wind belt just ahead of us.” Within the last 48 hours Gumption has moved from 13th to 8th place on the handicap rankings.
For daily positions and reports, visit www.heinekencapetobahia.co.za