Heineken Cape to Bahia Race - Update

HANDICAP BATTLE HEATS UP IN HEINEKEN CAPE TO BAHIA YACHT RACE

After this weekend’s excitement at Adrenalina Pura’s record-breaking crossing in the multi-hull class of the Heineken Cape to Bahia yacht race, the rest of the fleet is settling down to fight the frustrating battle for wind and ultimately handicap honours in this blue water classic. Rob Meek and his crew on Windsong have increased their hold on the handicap position and opened a 31-hour lead over former handicap leader Suidoos 2.

The hi-tech Windsong still has 869 miles to go to the finish line in Salvador and is currently maintaining an average boat speed of 6.95 knots. As the most westerly located yacht, Windsong has escaped the frustration of absolute wind lulls, while Suidoos 2 had a miserable day and only managed to make 72 miles progress to keep their second position in the handicap rankings.

Polo Sport Gumption on the other hand is currently on an absolute flyer averaging over ten knots. Skipper Nicholas Mace took a gamble last week when he veered almost due north, but it seems as if this tactic is paying off as their run during the past 24-hours has catapulted them into third place on handicap. As predicted over the weekend, the rest of the fleet was captured in nearly windless conditions, while the breeze filled in for Gumption.

John Martin on MTU Fascination of Power has moved down to fourth place and reported extremely frustrating conditions. “For the first time in the race, we actually stopped dead still for about 3 hours. Talk about parking lots!! On the bright side, the water temperature is 25 ºC and the sea the most stunning turquoise,” wrote Martin.

JJ Provoyeur and Anthony Spillebeen sailing double-handed on Devonvale Broadreach remain in fifth place and are also fighting the elements. “Shortly after filing my report on Saturday, JJ advised of a pending shower. There was a big black cylinder of water on the horizon and we were sucked into this system, pulled forward with a feeling of euphoria, only to spit out the moment we felt comfortable. There we sat for 12 hours becalmed in a place that is surely very beautiful for gin and tonics, but not for yacht racing. Fortunately we’ve been moving it up again since Sunday evening. Formulating a new game plan and eking every last sport of energy out of the wind,” wrote Spillebeen.

German Jakob Leverkus on board Mamelie and Mike Bartholomew on Gilly B have managed to force Auto Atlantic Thunderchild down into eight handicap position, but spirits remain upbeat onboard. “After two days of patchy light winds and a period of over 10 hours sitting becalmed, we have finally hit a good airflow, which is propelling us to the west at over 7 knots. In approximately 12 hours, we will alter course to the north and begin the fast and exhilarating run toward Salvador. Needless to say, the general morale of the guys has improved exponentially with the increase in boat momentum,” reported their website on Sunday.

For updates and positions, visit www.heinekencapetobahia.co.za