BT Challenge news from LG Flatron

At the time of writing, LG FLATRON continues to hold the unusual position of 7th place. With just under 3000 miles to go to La Rochelle, the tactical abilities of Conrad and his crew will be tested to the limits. The following exert from the BTGC Daily Update, shows what kind of weather the fleet can expect over the next couple of days:

Logica spectacularly slowed yesterday from ten knots to three as they ran out of wind and into the Doldrums. Extending from about four to eight degrees north this band of light variable wind is accompanied by heavy cloud and squalls, making this the main feature for the next few days.

Although the yachts further south have slowed they are still in the weakening trade winds on the approach to the doldrums. Satellite pictures show that there are large amounts of cloud associated with the doldrums extending over a distance of close to 500 miles and this already covers the first half of the fleet.

The weather the crews can expect is sometimes described as like being in a pressure cooker. With rising temperatures and oppressive clouds that at times seem to be only just above the masthead the relative humidity soars. Squalls are commonplace and sometimes ten or more can be seen all around. The calm conditions are punctuated by these squalls which bring torrential rain which is at first cooling but after a few minutes become cold. These rain squalls can be accompanied by gale force gusts of wind and thunder making it difficult for the crews; they have to be ready at all times to quickly reduce sail but to do so early wastes what precious wind there is.

By late tomorrow all the yachts are likely to be trapped in the doldrums; the forecast is for them to continue to extend from about five to ten degrees north being a little wider in the east and narrower to the west.

Today we received the following from Skipper, Conrad Humphreys. The message was sent with a plea for us all to pray for wind!

Still battling on - doldrums proving a little stuborn, with the right then the left handside paying. Just have to make the most of what we have and get on with it. Tough when we are 174 miles off the lead. Very hot, difficult to sleep and nowhere to escape apart from the bilges! My favorite sleeping area is the forepeak - although there is a battle for the spot with Andy Reid (dont worry, King Neptune addressed this one) The crossing of the line was well received. The new applicants were each granted permission - yes even Jared, although Neptune was getting a little impatient with the Americans tantrums.

More Information:

• YachtsandYachting.com BT Global Challenge Page
• BT Challenge Website