Heineken Cape to Bahia Race - Update

WIND KICKS IN FOR HEINEKEN CAPE TO BAHIA FLEET

After frustratingly slow progress for the Heineken Cape to Bahia fleet during the past couple of days, the weather gods have eventually smiled on the fleet again. As the high pressure systems shifts, the wind is filling in and boat speeds are generally picking up. Rob Meek on Windsong is still in the handicap lead followed by Gawie Fagan on Suidoos 2 and Polo Sport Gumption in third place. John Martin and his naval crew continues in the fourth spot with double-handed entry Devonvale Broadreach remaining in fifth place on the handicap rankings.

Windsong’s more westerly location to the rest of the fleet has seen her skirting the worst effects of the high pressure system and she’s back to a boat speed of over 8 knots. Wolf Seitz, navigator on board handicap leader Windsong, reports relief at the changing conditions. “The worst is over - we have changed gear and are heading for base. We seem to have broken out of the lull and are back to regular trade wind conditions of 12-16 knots wind speed. We were fortunate to be able to skirt the 'parking lot' most of the fleet is still struggling to escape. It seems as if the South Atlantic high moved north and split into two cells, trapping most of the fleet in an extended calm in the middle. This also forced us further north of our intended course in fairly light conditions adding extra time and distance to our passage,” writes Seitz.

Looking at their position, Seitz reckons that Suidoos2 will still struggle for wind for the next 24 hours. “Gumption has made a remarkable appearance on our radar screen to the north east of us. However, they will be challenged to catch up the 300 nautical miles difference as the pressure starts to fill our sails as well,” mentions the 2003 Cape to Rio race handicap winner.

Auto Atlantic Thunderchild has probably been the most severely affected by the shift in the system and had to be satisfied with a dismal 2.3 knots boat speed and coverage of only 55 miles. This saw them drop another two places in the handicap rankings to tenth position. “After a hot and deathly boring day, we have finally found some wind. That we are doing only 5 knots and are happy about it, should tell you something about our levels of frustration,” read the report from the boat early this morning.

The German crew on board Mamelie is delighted with their overall fifth place on handicap. Last night they reported a magnificent full moon and eventually getting enough wind to outsail the flying fish. “We’re currently running along nicely and if we manage to maintain an average speed of 7 knots, we are in a really good position to get to the top of the IRC 2 class. We need to give some time to our chief competitor Suidoos 2, but if we concentrate and put in the effort, we might just achieve this goal,” stated the message on their website.

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