3096 replies to this topic

[~Stingray~]

^ Thnx, Renn. By the smiley's it sounds like fun regardless.

[Rennmaus]

^ Thnx, Renn. By the smiley's it sounds like fun regardless.

If you like fast sailing, waterhosing and attractive men, well, yes .

[~HHN92~]

^ Thnx, Renn. By the smiley's it sounds like fun regardless.

If you like fast sailing, waterhosing and attractive men, well, yes .

You had me interested until you got to the 'attractive men' part.........................................what a letdown.

[Te Kooti]

As predicted, the lead boats are getting into lighter wind.

While tail-enders are getting pressure.

So it is catch-up time.

And it would be a serious mistake to rule out Groupama.

But, more important, what does Tele have up its sleeve in light air conditions?

[~Stingray~]

Good question. Don't most Spaniards have hairy arms?

[maxmini]

Wind even across the course , Puma slipping away , lots more racing to come

[Te Kooti]

Te Kooti has a bad sense of timing.

Looks like those boats will cross under the windows of my (former) Puerto Rico hotel !

[Te Kooti]

So, taking a flyer through Carribean islands becomes an option in light air.

But will anyone have the courage to detach and go it alone?

How about G4 ?

[SW Sailor]

Puma seems to be sailing a solid race to this point. I like the fact that they are sailing their own race regardless of the competitors, who seem to be trying to second guess Puma's strategy looking for an error.

This is likely why they are still leading - they are confident in their tactics.

[thetruth]

It is actually sad how you two carry on like One Direction preteen girls screaming and yelling. It is live and we do not need your inane comments. We can see what happens and your inane comments on speed and tactics? How is the Te Kooti doing on the game? Probably not very well

Puma seems to be sailing a solid race to this point. I like the fact that they are sailing their own race regardless of the competitors, who seem to be trying to second guess Puma's strategy looking for an error.

This is likely why they are still leading - they are confident in their tactics.

[WetHog]

It is actually sad how you two carry on like One Direction preteen girls screaming and yelling. It is live and we do not need your inane comments. We can see what happens and your inane comments on speed and tactics? How is the Te Kooti doing on the game? Probably not very well

Puma seems to be sailing a solid race to this point. I like the fact that they are sailing their own race regardless of the competitors, who seem to be trying to second guess Puma's strategy looking for an error.

This is likely why they are still leading - they are confident in their tactics.

Put them on ignore, or go somewhere else and troll, fucktard.

WetHog

[maxmini]

With the dashboard not working it's hard to tell but the tracker shows camper heading off on a bit of a flyer inshore. After a week or so of trying to run down Puma they are trying something different. Will be interesting to see how this plays out.

[Tornado-Cat]

Good, it fell down at the good time, we have some surprises when it works !

TK, Camper is not on the screen and Conrad Black is now walking free and soon in his native country.

[SW Sailor]

With the dashboard not working it's hard to tell but the tracker shows camper heading off on a bit of a flyer inshore. After a week or so of trying to run down Puma they are trying something different. Will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Back up now.

Looks like they paid a price to head west but are in strong winds, at least for now.

[maxmini]

Some big changes during that bit of downtime. Abu made a big gain on Group , Puma Still slipping away and tele about holding their own. Good stuff.

[Te Kooti]

Some big changes during that bit of downtime. Abu made a big gain on Group , Puma Still slipping away and tele about holding their own. Good stuff.

Yes, Camper has gone island hopping and, dammit, looks like he will skirt along the north shore of Puerto Rico.

G4 are following.

Puma still in front.

But island hoppers might find gold.

[maxmini]

Some big changes during that bit of downtime. Abu made a big gain on Group , Puma Still slipping away and tele about holding their own. Good stuff.

Yes, Camper has gone island hopping and, dammit, looks like he will skirt along the north shore of Puerto Rico.

G4 are following.

Puma still in front.

But island hoppers might find gold.

Looks like Tele on the march , into second , Camper sailed into a hole realative to the rest , Abu lost a few to Group but both of them are still tail enders . Everything is tentative of course .

[maxmini]

Camper back in second and in good breeze, abu over taking Group and Tele takeing a different approach.

[Te Kooti]

Camper back in second and in good breeze, abu over taking Group and Tele takeing a different approach.

Yep, Tele setting up well off the coast.

Away from islands.

VOR organisers announced the Miami stopover for May 6 to 20th.

I wrote this in my diary a long time ago.

Was thinking I might go there.

But just as well I didn't. Because now they think the winner will not arrive until the 9th.

Right now, it is hard to know which boat will be first.

Although, the Puma ability to keep their nose in front is impressive.

Is Miami a dump? Or worth visiting?

[Te Kooti]

Jochem Schuemann talks to Pierre and has nothing positive to say:

"The Volvo Ocean Race is also struggling right now. We don’t know even if the current format will also be in the next edition. If you ask me about what we are seeing today, the Volvo Ocean Race in trouble, the America’s Cup in trouble, we wouldn’t join them as they are at the moment. However, I’m sure they both have a future and they will both find the right solutions and then we can take a decision about what we want to do. The potential is here and if you already have a 100-footer you won’t end up participating in an event with 20-footers. You must take it for granted, it has to be a big event with a big boat"

Hey Jochem .... instead of pontificating, get off your arse and do something.

If you can do it better, do it!!!!

[Te Kooti]

Sanya went to Savannah and were to sail down to Miami to meet the rest.

And get in the line for the next leg to Lisbon.

Apparently they are in Savannah.

Did Charleston-based Clean go for a look?

It feels like Sanya have done a disappearing act.

[ro!]

Camper back in second and in good breeze, abu over taking Group and Tele takeing a different approach.

Yep, Tele setting up well off the coast.

Away from islands.

VOR organisers announced the Miami stopover for May 6 to 20th.

I wrote this in my diary a long time ago.

Was thinking I might go there.

But just as well I didn't. Because now they think the winner will not arrive until the 9th.

Right now, it is hard to know which boat will be first.

Although, the Puma ability to keep their nose in front is impressive.

Is Miami a dump? Or worth visiting?

Dear Diary
I was going to Miami for the vor but have just discovered the organisers can't guarantee that the all boats will arrive on the 6th of May...
Pity because I heard they have a really good thrashing scene there...
Although I have not been there, I already know it's a bit of a dump...on the bright side it's a lot like most of my posts...

[KiwiJoker]

Camper back in second and in good breeze, abu over taking Group and Tele takeing a different approach.

0115 report shows Puma and Tele headed inshore with all dispatch to get a taste of the slightly fresher conditions second-placed Camper appears to be enjoying. Soon we'll see the top three in a tight little bunch again.

Well, at least until they run into the light-wind lottery awaiting them ahead.

[Te Kooti]

Camper back in second and in good breeze, abu over taking Group and Tele takeing a different approach.

0115 report shows Puma and Tele headed inshore with all dispatch to get a taste of the slightly fresher conditions second-placed Camper appears to be enjoying. Soon we'll see the top three in a tight little bunch again.

Well, at least until they run into the light-wind lottery awaiting them ahead.

Now Puma and Camper are so far offshore they would not be visible from the high-up Puerto Rico hotel window!

Nico is trying everythjng. But Puma is like the coxsain of the rowing eight who always keeps his nose in front.

They (Puma) are doing a good job covering.

But notice the tail end Charlies have wind. While the up-front crowd are down to a leisurely 9 knots.

Mmmmmh .. could get interesting.

[Rennmaus]

Jochem Schuemann talks to Pierre and has nothing positive to say:

"The Volvo Ocean Race is also struggling right now. We don't know even if the current format will also be in the next edition. If you ask me about what we are seeing today, the Volvo Ocean Race in trouble, the America's Cup in trouble, we wouldn't join them as they are at the moment. However, I'm sure they both have a future and they will both find the right solutions and then we can take a decision about what we want to do. The potential is here and if you already have a 100-footer you won't end up participating in an event with 20-footers. You must take it for granted, it has to be a big event with a big boat"

Hey Jochem .... instead of pontificating, get off your arse and do something.

If you can do it better, do it!!!!

Well, actually he does do something: setting up his 100ft EU project plus the TP52 Audi project, getting enough sponsors on board for both (isn't the world and esp. the European economy preventing any sponsor activity for sailing??? Something does not add up here.). What - in your opinion - should he do more, save the VOR, the AC and the world in one go?

[umpire]

Camper back in second and in good breeze, abu over taking Group and Tele takeing a different approach.

Is Miami a dump? Or worth visiting?

Worth visiting just for South Beach

[WetHog]

Jochem Schuemann talks to Pierre and has nothing positive to say:

"The Volvo Ocean Race is also struggling right now. We don’t know even if the current format will also be in the next edition. If you ask me about what we are seeing today, the Volvo Ocean Race in trouble, the America’s Cup in trouble, we wouldn’t join them as they are at the moment. However, I’m sure they both have a future and they will both find the right solutions and then we can take a decision about what we want to do. The potential is here and if you already have a 100-footer you won’t end up participating in an event with 20-footers. You must take it for granted, it has to be a big event with a big boat"

Hey Jochem .... instead of pontificating, get off your arse and do something.

If you can do it better, do it!!!!

Nah, Mr. Schuemann is good at chirping from the cheap seats. Probably still bitter he thought he had a good boat in SUI-91 to go into the next Cup cycle, only to be stuck with a nice lawn ornament.

WetHog

[Te Kooti]

Puma is still holding off the others.

It is impressive.

Distances down there are deceptive.

Seems close to Miami.

But still 1000 (or so) miles to go.

Tele still lurking. Waiting for the pounce.

But, without their extra sail, it all seems to be balanced.

Very even fleet, n'est pas?

[Te Kooti]

Camper now following Puma exhaust fumes.

Might have to do another breakaway to get out of there.

Notice how the back-runners have come up.

But everyone doing only 7 or 8 knots. Groan!

[Te Kooti]

Anyone here likely to be in Miami?

For the arrivals.

[SW Sailor]

Seems like after leg 5 it has been proven that Tele is not invincible, and Grants Fire Engine has been keeping them in check on this leg so far.

[Te Kooti]

Grants Fire Engine has been keeping them in check on this leg so far.

Yes, but only just.

VOR page says Sanya soon underway from Savannah.

What a lesson this has been? For the Hainan Island Tourism Authority.

In this game you do it properly. Or not at all.

The last minute, 2nd hand boat model is not good for Sanya, Moose or his crewmates. Just one fuck-up after another.

Sports sponsorship is a very new concept in China.

I wonder if the Hainan Islanders will have another kick at the VOR can?

Anyone know about this?

[SW Sailor]

Grants Fire Engine has been keeping them in check on this leg so far.

Yes, but only just.

Apparently not with the latest update.

In their search for toilet paper they took their eye off the ball.

[maxmini]

Looks like it will be a 800 mile drag race to the finish. Camper looks to be just following puma but tele looks to be trying a outside pass which may or may not work . Camper makes gains when they have more wind, go figure , but in the same wind as puma is slightly slower. The back two are having their own little battle and I don't see them joining the podium fight on this leg.

[~HHN92~]

Puma ahead but Camper faster.

Ahhh, the agony. C'mon Kenny, put it on them.

[Rennmaus]

Puma ahead but Camper faster.

Ahhh, the agony. C'mon Kenny, put it on them.

You are talking about agony? Puma has already won a leg. Please be a friend and feel with me, just for a second .

[~HHN92~]

Puma ahead but Camper faster.

Ahhh, the agony. C'mon Kenny, put it on them.

You are talking about agony? Puma has already won a leg. Please be a friend and feel with me, just for a second .

Like the Kentucky Derby winner: 'I'll Have Another'....................................



Bummer, I missed Danica putting Sam Hornish in the wall after the Talladega Nationwide race. Hafta catch the replay.



edit: not a bad job hookin' Sam, but I've seen better. Renn: I did, for a second, before posting.

[KiwiJoker]

Looks like it will be a 800 mile drag race to the finish. Camper looks to be just following puma but tele looks to be trying a outside pass which may or may not work . Camper makes gains when they have more wind, go figure , but in the same wind as puma is slightly slower. The back two are having their own little battle and I don't see them joining the podium fight on this leg.

Puma did better than Camper and Telefonica in a couple of light air gybes north of Anguilla. Now that they are back in similar breeze boat speeds seem to be very close. Some big minefields ahead though.

[KiwiJoker]

Yow! I thought Camper scraped past Anguilla close aboard. Now we know how close:

Earlier in the day CAMPER took a shortcut through a tiny channel on the small Caribbean island of Anguilla in the Lesser Antilles.

"Will (Oxley, CAMPER's navigator) spotted a small little gap on the chart about 250 metres wide. Not much of it was navigable but we went through there in a straight line at about 20 knots.

"You never can tell how important saving those miles might be later. That was a five-mile saving and you just have to chase every one of those that you can."

[Te Kooti]

Puma still holding off the others.

The tail-enders are going closer to shore and getting better wind + speed.

Seems like Camper just cannot find the extra knot or so to reel in the Pumarians.

[SW Sailor]

TMI from Grants Fire Engine;

My behind has taken a turn for the better with a full change of underwear and shorts, a full plastering of the miracle ointment Sudacreme. I think if you were to repackage that arse crème and call it anti-aging face crème you would be a billionaire. There is no festering skin sore problem that Sudcreme can’t fix, so I reckon a few wrinkles would be nothing to the power of it.

[Te Kooti]

Puma still holding.

Can they sustain this all the way into Miami?

[thetruth]

Bro there is a website called www.volvooceanrace.com where we get it before even you. Can't the Bro's figure this one out?

Puma still holding.

Can they sustain this all the way into Miami?

[maxmini]

And here comes Tele damn it all anyway. Second place and 32 miles back of Puma . 700 more to go .

[WetHog]

Bummer, I missed Danica putting Sam Hornish in the wall after the Talladega Nationwide race. Hafta catch the replay.

edit: not a bad job hookin' Sam, but I've seen better. Renn: I did, for a second, before posting.

Well she just opened the door wide open for other drivers to do the same to her. Being a female type the boys won't handle "issues" with her face to face because they will lose the PR battle, but on track resolution works well too. And now that she took it to that level first she is fair game. Enjoy Danica.

WetHog

[~HHN92~]

Bummer, I missed Danica putting Sam Hornish in the wall after the Talladega Nationwide race. Hafta catch the replay.

edit: not a bad job hookin' Sam, but I've seen better. Renn: I did, for a second, before posting.

Well she just opened the door wide open for other drivers to do the same to her. Being a female type the boys won't handle "issues" with her face to face because they will lose the PR battle, but on track resolution works well too. And now that she took it to that level first she is fair game. Enjoy Danica.

WetHog

She could have handled the post-race better, especially after he explained that he lost a tire and casued him to wash-up the track into her.

She'll learn, or else get the 'chrome horn' herself. (well, you know, the bumper)



Anyway, Puma is still holding-on but the high sagging down off of south FL and into the Bahama's may make things interesting. I think Tele could be too far north and Camper could gain being to the south. (see Renn, a good word for Camper )

[Rennmaus]

^
Sweetheart you.

[WetHog]

She could have handled the post-race better, especially after he explained that he lost a tire and casued him to wash-up the track into her.

She'll learn, or else get the 'chrome horn' herself. (well, you know, the bumper)

Oh she will learn. Especially if she is going to take it to the level of purposely wrecking someone into the wall after the race is finished. This isn't open wheels. The term "Rubbin is racing" was coined for a reason.

On topic, really impressed/happy with Puma. Doing a good job so far staying out front on their homecoming leg. That, and they appear to be peaking at just the right time to make a series run at a top end podium finish for the race.

WetHog

[SW Sailor]

Unless the high off of Florida moves through quickly we could have a re-start on the agenda. Ken has kept Puma in the right place so far this entire leg.Let's hope he can close this one out on top.

[Te Kooti]

Wow ... now this gets very interesting.

First, Puma has been steadily inching away from Camper and now has a respectable cushion.

But, with G4 and AD going down the other side of the Turks & Caicos, anything could happen.

I have sailed down there and my mate John (the boat owner) would usually prefer to sit at anchor. Rather than bang around on a windless sea.

Some days it would be glassy until noon. Then, at about 1 p.m. breeze would build and we could go.

But I know nothing.

Some navigators will read it right. And others wrong.

Anyway, the G4 breakaway reminds me of their early (Leg 1) decision to go down the coast of Africa.

This time it might pay. With emphasis on "might."

But, in a way, it is almost as if Puma deserve this leg.

[~Stingray~]

I have sailed down there and my mate John (the boat owner) would usually prefer to sit at anchor. Rather than bang around on a windless sea.

Same days it would be glassy until noon. Then, at about 1 p.m. breeze would build and we could go.

Fwiw, where I will be soon - one of the outer Bahamas, for the first time. Too late to have a chance of seeing them pass by but may get a feel for what they're into anyway.



At ETNZ, Lights airs gamble
http://etnzblog.com/#!2012/05/the-light-airs-gamble-continues

[Te Kooti]

[

At ETNZ, Lights airs gamble
http://etnzblog.com/...amble-continues

Oh dear, Will Oxley uses "transition" as a verb!

Grrrrh!

[Te Kooti]

I remember anchoring in the Acklin Islands. In the morning, we felt a bump. Yea ... aground. But towed ourselves out.

So, TK what is the point?

On the tracker it looks like Camper might veer to port and head down the inside to head off G4 (and give them something other than Puma options).

Which will take them down past Great Inagua (greetings to the very lovely parishoners at St. Phillips church!)

But it is very shallow through there.

In such clear water it is a bit spooky to speed across the flats - keeping an eye out for black coral heads.

There are many short cuts through those islands.

And, yes, navigators know what they are doing.

But, with those monstrous canting keels .... ?

Yea ... well!

Attached Files

•  STA60061.JPG   192.94K   22 downloads

[Pierre S]

Anyway, the G4 breakaway reminds me of their early (Leg 1) decision to go down the coast of Africa.

This time it might pay. With emphasis on "might."

Seems like a fairly low risk option for Groupama at this stage: they are not going to be able to catch Telefonica by following the same track. If their southerly option goes wrong and as long as Abu Dhabi stays south, which seems to be the case, their downside is nil and their upside is probably third place behind Camper and ahead of Telefonica.

[Te Kooti]

Anyway, the G4 breakaway reminds me of their early (Leg 1) decision to go down the coast of Africa.

This time it might pay. With emphasis on "might."

Seems like a fairly low risk option for Groupama at this stage: they are not going to be able to catch Telefonica by following the same track. If their southerly option goes wrong and as long as Abu Dhabi stays south, which seems to be the case, their downside is nil and their upside is probably third place behind Camper and ahead of Telefonica.

Yes, and in addition, they are doing about 15 knots.

In contrast to the 9 or 10 knots of Puma, Camper and Tele.

All very French. And intersting for us.

[~Stingray~]

... very French.

What do you mean?

[Te Kooti]

... very French.

What do you mean?

Bit like the Cirque du Soleil! OTT!

Going their own way.

Not following the crowd.

Jumping from high places without a net. High risk!

Sort of what we expect from Cammas.

If it works for them and they tool into Miami in 1st place, it will be Knut Frostad's fantasy.

And, in significant ways, a testament to the abilities of Cammas et al.

Remember their easy victory into Auckland?

[KiwiJoker]

Camper has halved the deficit on Puma in the last six hours. Now down to 17.6 miles and the Kiwis are still making more speed just off the Turks & Caicos.

Looks as if they just might pass Mayaguana to leeward and mebbe thread their way through the out islands from there but they still have to climb up to weather at some point to round Eleuthera Light.

What's more Puma's course suggests they are dipping down to cover Camper.

[Te Kooti]

Camper has halved the deficit on Puma in the last six hours. Now down to 17.6 miles and the Kiwis are still making more speed just off the Turks & Caicos.

Looks as if they just might pass Mayaguana to leeward and mebbe thread their way through the out islands from there but they still have to climb up to weather at some point to round Eleuthera Light.

What's more Puma's course suggests they are dipping down to cover Camper.

If they duck out on the fllats, depth is an issue.

However, here is where a canting keel could pay!

[maxmini]

Camper has halved the deficit on Puma in the last six hours. Now down to 17.6 miles and the Kiwis are still making more speed just off the Turks & Caicos.

Looks as if they just might pass Mayaguana to leeward and mebbe thread their way through the out islands from there but they still have to climb up to weather at some point to round Eleuthera Light.

What's more Puma's course suggests they are dipping down to cover Camper.

They did a nice job but now appear to have run into the same low pressure that puma has been dealing with for the past day or so and stalled out gain wise. It will be interesting to see how they all pick their way thru the islands for the last 500 miles. Abu boys must have visions of steak and brew on their minds . Cutting the food that short, really stupid move on the management of that program. I'll cut the back half off my toothbrush but you better feed me

[SW Sailor]

Camper has halved the deficit on Puma in the last six hours. Now down to 17.6 miles and the Kiwis are still making more speed just off the Turks & Caicos.

Looks as if they just might pass Mayaguana to leeward and mebbe thread their way through the out islands from there but they still have to climb up to weather at some point to round Eleuthera Light.

What's more Puma's course suggests they are dipping down to cover Camper.

They did a nice job but now appear to have run into the same low pressure that puma has been dealing with for the past day or so and stalled out gain wise. It will be interesting to see how they all pick their way thru the islands for the last 500 miles. Abu boys must have visions of steak and brew on their minds . Cutting the food that short, really stupid move on the management of that program. I'll cut the back half off my toothbrush but you better feed me

Of the lead boats Tele suffered most from going North. Now 46 miles off the lead doing 7 knots and can do nothing to cover Groupama who is 75 miles south doing 12 knots. In ten hours time Group could be in third place.

Looks like Grants Fire Engine has to sail 10 degrees higher than Puma in a 40 degree lift to maintain speed.

Of course all of this means squat if they have to sail through the middle of a high to get to Miami.

[KiwiJoker]

Camper has halved the deficit on Puma in the last six hours. Now down to 17.6 miles and the Kiwis are still making more speed just off the Turks & Caicos.

Looks as if they just might pass Mayaguana to leeward and mebbe thread their way through the out islands from there but they still have to climb up to weather at some point to round Eleuthera Light.

What's more Puma's course suggests they are dipping down to cover Camper.

They did a nice job but now appear to have run into the same low pressure that puma has been dealing with for the past day or so and stalled out gain wise. It will be interesting to see how they all pick their way thru the islands for the last 500 miles. Abu boys must have visions of steak and brew on their minds . Cutting the food that short, really stupid move on the management of that program. I'll cut the back half off my toothbrush but you better feed me

Of the lead boats Tele suffered most from going North. Now 46 miles off the lead doing 7 knots and can do nothing to cover Groupama who is 75 miles south doing 12 knots. In ten hours time Group could be in third place.

Looks like Grants Fire Engine has to sail 10 degrees higher than Puma in a 40 degree lift to maintain speed.

Of course all of this means squat if they have to sail through the middle of a high to get to Miami.

Looks as if your prediction is playing out. At the 0701 report Tele has gybed inshore and is sailing at right angles away from the rhumbline. Average speed is only 6.5 knots and she's dropped another 17 miles. SMG must be SFA. Meanwhile Groupama is enjoying conditions inshore and going twice as fast on a beeline for Eleuthera Light. She is now only 22.50 miles astern of Tele.

And Camper is continuing to narrow the gap on Puma!

[Pierre S]

Will Tele go as far as to go where Groupama is, or will they fall in line behind Camper? (That drug-addled Predictor thingy has them going all the way to be with Groupama, with Camper going south too.) Regardless, the last 2 scheds have been very expensive for Tele: they've lost 30 miles to G4 in the last 3 hours, and 12 miles in the sched before that. G4 will have to pay a price when the time comes to go north again, but it might just work for them.

[~HHN92~]

Looking at the wind chart for the past couple of days I have wondered why they were going east of the island chain instead of the west. Right now there is 8knts of wind inside vs 4 knts outside. Its been this way for a while. Groupama may have the best line to approach the finish, unless there is something that is going to change the weather, which this time of year does not happen much. The fronts lose any punch they have when they reach the FL border and the Gulf of Mexico.

I think things will get interesting over the next day or two.

[kiwi_jon]

Looking at the wind chart for the past couple of days I have wondered why they were going east of the island chain instead of the west. Right now there is 8knts of wind inside vs 4 knts outside. Its been this way for a while. Groupama may have the best line to approach the finish, unless there is something that is going to change the weather, which this time of year does not happen much. The fronts lose any punch they have when they reach the FL border and the Gulf of Mexico.

I think things will get interesting over the next day or two.

They are not heading directly to the finish at Miami. There are three waypoints north of the Bahamas that they have to leave to port before approaching the Miami from a NE direction.

You don't see the marks until you zoom in to greater than %1500 on the tracker.

[Tornado-Cat]

Bit like the Cirque du Soleil! OTT! Going their own way. Not following the crowd.

Jumping from high places without a net. High risk!

Risky but amazing, they passed Tele and are at only 70 NM from the leaders. As they take an even more extreme option they could finish first or....last.

Le Cirque du Soleil !

[eric e]

jeez, has tele blown it or what!

camper right up there now

and good on franc

there seems to have been more in-shore

[~HHN92~]

Looking at the wind chart for the past couple of days I have wondered why they were going east of the island chain instead of the west. Right now there is 8knts of wind inside vs 4 knts outside. Its been this way for a while. Groupama may have the best line to approach the finish, unless there is something that is going to change the weather, which this time of year does not happen much. The fronts lose any punch they have when they reach the FL border and the Gulf of Mexico.

I think things will get interesting over the next day or two.

They are not heading directly to the finish at Miami. There are three waypoints north of the Bahamas that they have to leave to port before approaching the Miami from a NE direction.

You don't see the marks until you zoom in to greater than %1500 on the tracker.

OK, got it. I had not screened in that far yet so thanks for the heads-up.

[JBSF]

HOW the fuck did an OCEAN RACING thread go 22 pages in AC Anarchy?

[Rennmaus]

^
We know too what fun is .

[Te Kooti]

HOW the fuck did an OCEAN RACING thread go 22 pages in AC Anarchy?

Because AC veteran Tony Rae is on Camper organizing cocktail parties!

In these kinds of conditions you have to wonder about the role of a competent youngster like Adam Minoprio.

Anyway, it looks like an exciting finish into Miami.

If Camper can do it, will Marcelino get an early Xmas card from Dalts?

I love the G4 tearaway tactics. If they win it will be sensational.

[Te Kooti]

[/quote]

OK, got it. I had not screened in that far yet so thanks for the heads-up.
[/quote]


Stinger ... if you and Stingette are going to the Bahamas you have to look aroound. Rent a small plane and go flying (no bus between islands).

After gunkholing down from Georgetown I spent about a week anchored off Mathewtown - Great Inagua. The most southerly of the Bahamian chain.

That would be Haiti over there. And Cuba over there.

About the only thing is Mathewtown is a mine, flamingos, a shop and a church.

The boy and I would take the dinghy ashore and I would chat with (mostly female) inhabitants.

"If you are so interested in our culture, you have to come to church on Sunday,"they said.

So, on Sunday, two of us went to St. Phillips Anglican Church. Where the singing was more than worth the effort.

Bahamians are super friendly and their big moment was when their womens relay team beat the Americans at the Olympics.

There was no Internet in Mathewtown but it was coming. So I gave an informal talk about business opportunities that might come with the Internet. I also went and looked at the U of West Indies Distance Educ. Centre there. Most buildings there have been flattened by hurricanes. Several times.

We also anchored off the Acklin Islands and galloped ashore there. Very dry. Hard scrabble "farming". But, once again, lovely people.

The only foreigners in Mathewtown were US immigration/drug enforcers. They, shall we say, "stood out."

The Bahamas still show the effects of British colonisation. Funny to find they learned the same songs at school as I did (in NZ).

After Mathewtown we went down the Windward Passage to Pt. Antonio, Jamaica. Because of too much ganga, a different atmosphere in Jamaica.

Even so, I am pulling for Usauin Bolt.

[maxmini]

HOW the fuck did an OCEAN RACING thread go 22 pages in AC Anarchy?

Actually it has worked out quite well. As mentioned there is a good bit of cross pollination as it were between the two events personnel and team wise . It is nice to be able to quickly keep tabs on the Volvo without having to switch threads . If we want more in depth conversation we can jump over to the ocean side but honestly the thread here seems to be more on point with less bickering . We save that for the AC material

[maxmini]

It appears as if the private wind advantage Camper has been enjoying has come to an end for the moment and their march to the front has stalled a bit. Tele is really going down the tubes and it is going to be fun to see what the hell Group end up doing. No reports of active cannabilisim on Abu as yet and 400 more fun filled miles to go .

[~HHN92~]

HOW the fuck did an OCEAN RACING thread go 22 pages in AC Anarchy?

Actually it has worked out quite well. As mentioned there is a good bit of cross pollination as it were between the two events personnel and team wise . It is nice to be able to quickly keep tabs on the Volvo without having to switch threads . If we want more in depth conversation we can jump over to the ocean side but honestly the thread here seems to be more on point with less bickering . We save that for the AC material

+100 on the bold.

[SW Sailor]

Camper has halved the deficit on Puma in the last six hours. Now down to 17.6 miles and the Kiwis are still making more speed just off the Turks & Caicos.

Looks as if they just might pass Mayaguana to leeward and mebbe thread their way through the out islands from there but they still have to climb up to weather at some point to round Eleuthera Light.

What's more Puma's course suggests they are dipping down to cover Camper.

They did a nice job but now appear to have run into the same low pressure that puma has been dealing with for the past day or so and stalled out gain wise. It will be interesting to see how they all pick their way thru the islands for the last 500 miles. Abu boys must have visions of steak and brew on their minds . Cutting the food that short, really stupid move on the management of that program. I'll cut the back half off my toothbrush but you better feed me

Of the lead boats Tele suffered most from going North. Now 46 miles off the lead doing 7 knots and can do nothing to cover Groupama who is 75 miles south doing 12 knots. In ten hours time Group could be in third place.

Looks like Grants Fire Engine has to sail 10 degrees higher than Puma in a 40 degree lift to maintain speed.

Of course all of this means squat if they have to sail through the middle of a high to get to Miami.

Looks as if your prediction is playing out. At the 0701 report Tele has gybed inshore and is sailing at right angles away from the rhumbline. Average speed is only 6.5 knots and she's dropped another 17 miles. SMG must be SFA. Meanwhile Groupama is enjoying conditions inshore and going twice as fast on a beeline for Eleuthera Light. She is now only 22.50 miles astern of Tele.

And Camper is continuing to narrow the gap on Puma!

The northerly route did not pay and Tele pulled the plug made the dive south to cover Groupama and are now in 4th place 15 miles behind. Seems like their tactics have been pretty lame this leg - certainly for the last 500 miles or so with the most recent move one of desperation.

Getting through the high will be a challenge for all.

[~Stingray~]

new at http://etnzblog.com/...ers-island-tour
--

Chris Nicholson blogs from on board CAMPER

Hi all

It's now Day Fourteen of Leg Six and as I predicted in my last blog this is turning out to be one of the tightest legs of the race.

So far the guys have done a pretty good job in some very tricky sailing conditions and with around 500 miles to go we're sitting in second place only a few miles behind Puma, and have finally managed to put some ground on the boats behind us.

However, the remaining miles to Miami are set to deliver more light and variable conditions which mean the race remains wide open and anything could happen. As I write this we are basically on a grand island tour having in recent days passed close by the Caribbean Islands, and now we're heading in close to the Bahamas. Conditions are very light and there's not a huge amount separating the top boats so things are tense to say the least.

contd

[maxmini]

Average wind speed 0.4 KTS to 4 KTS across the fleet. . yuckkkkkk.

[Te Kooti]

Average wind speed 0.4 KTS to 4 KTS across the fleet. . yuckkkkkk.

I hope they make it into Miami BEFORE the start of the next leg.

Otherwise, those Abu Dhabians will be really hungry.

I guess they could eat each other!

But who would go first?

[SW Sailor]

Average wind speed 0.4 KTS to 4 KTS across the fleet. . yuckkkkkk.

I hope they make it into Miami BEFORE the start of the next leg.

Otherwise, those Abu Dhabians will be really hungry.

I'd think they would be fishing for fresh sushi.

[A Florida Redneck]

PRO should let them all buy fresh fish from the Bahama boat boys!
Do they have the range?
Would help the economy.
Perhaps Nassau might be a future stopover?
Yea Mon!

[KiwiJoker]

Sou-easter is kicking in and speeds picking up. Some serious island hopping in store. Puma and Camper are both set to leave San Salvador to windward. On their present course Camper appears to be setting up to sail inside Rum Cay. After that, will they continue northwest inside Cat Island? Gripping stuff!

[A Florida Redneck]

Puma planning to scape Camper off on Rum Cay perhaps?
OTOH, does Rum Cay deliver???
And what about Conception?
If Camper go west of Rum Cay how close can they cut the east side of Conception?
Could be some miles made/lost here.

[kiwi_jon]

Average wind speed 0.4 KTS to 4 KTS across the fleet. . yuckkkkkk.

I hope they make it into Miami BEFORE the start of the next leg.

Otherwise, those Abu Dhabians will be really hungry.

I'd think they would be fishing for fresh sushi.

Or maybe sashimi. The rice in sushi gets a bit soggy in water.

[SW Sailor]

Interesting dog fight at the front of the fleet - looks like Puma has come into a little breeze and is now shutting the door on the Fire Engine creating a potential ~match race~ to the next mark (hope the AC police aren't on patrol again).

Hopes for Groupama and Tele for moving up in the fleet seem slim at this point. Tele really pooched the tactics on this leg by looking for an advantage sailing north of Puma, then having to dive south to cover Groupama. If they finish 4th it will help mix things up.

[SW Sailor]

Average wind speed 0.4 KTS to 4 KTS across the fleet. . yuckkkkkk.

I hope they make it into Miami BEFORE the start of the next leg.

Otherwise, those Abu Dhabians will be really hungry.

I'd think they would be fishing for fresh sushi.

Or maybe sashimi. The rice in sushi gets a bit soggy in water.

I'm sure they could use the carbs, soggy or not.

[Te Kooti]

[I'm sure they could use the carbs, soggy or not.

Also, bound to be more tasty than eating a bit of Ian Walker.

Being a Pom, he may not be all that tasty.

Dogwatch, what do u think?

[SW Sailor]

Puma with an 11 mile lead on the Fire Engine, but heading into lighter winds. Expect yet another compression with the fleet before they head west.

Expect the trailing three to close the gap given the current wind forecast.

[~HHN92~]

Interesting dog fight at the front of the fleet - looks like Puma has come into a little breeze and is now shutting the door on the Fire Engine creating a potential ~match race~ to the next mark (hope the AC police aren't on patrol again).

Hopes for Groupama and Tele for moving up in the fleet seem slim at this point. Tele really pooched the tactics on this leg by looking for an advantage sailing north of Puma, then having to dive south to cover Groupama. If they finish 4th it will help mix things up.

Man, you are so much going to get it


As before, its a drag race (I'm staying clear of trouble) to get to the next wind line to the north, if it stays in place, with Puma in line to extend again if they can get there. I don't see anything rescuing the backmarkers, it's the two in front that are going to make or break it in this one.

[Tornado-Cat]

Best possible scenario for an interesting finish and all options are opened.
Puma and Camper taking the north option and the 3 behind the south route, Groupama only 42 NM of Puma.
Next days, if not next hours, will be key.

[~Stingray~]

At 14nm separation, can Puma and GFE see each other?

Am guessing yes, barely, with Camper's sails more visible than Puma's, because of the color.

[kiwi_jon]

Best possible scenario for an interesting finish and all options are opened.
Puma and Camper taking the north option and the 3 behind the south route, Groupama only 42 NM of Puma.
Next days, if not next hours, will be key.

What south route? They all have to get north of the Bahamas to observe the 3 waypoints before heading to the finish from the north east.

[Tornado-Cat]

Best possible scenario for an interesting finish and all options are opened.
Puma and Camper taking the north option and the 3 behind the south route, Groupama only 42 NM of Puma.
Next days, if not next hours, will be key.

What south route? They all have to get north of the Bahamas to observe the 3 waypoints before heading to the finish from the north east.

You are right, I had missed the Eleuthera Island light waypoint. Too bad we don't have a tactical race to finish, but good for Camper and Puma.

[SW Sailor]

Interesting dog fight at the front of the fleet - looks like Puma has come into a little breeze and is now shutting the door on the Fire Engine creating a potential ~match race~ to the next mark (hope the AC police aren't on patrol again).

Hopes for Groupama and Tele for moving up in the fleet seem slim at this point. Tele really pooched the tactics on this leg by looking for an advantage sailing north of Puma, then having to dive south to cover Groupama. If they finish 4th it will help mix things up.

Man, you are so much going to get it


As before, its a drag race (I'm staying clear of trouble) to get to the next wind line to the north, if it stays in place, with Puma in line to extend again if they can get there. I don't see anything rescuing the backmarkers, it's the two in front that are going to make or break it in this one.

No shit, but I'm not alone. The editor for the VOR site better have his defense attorneys at the ready if the AC police find out about this and report back to headquarters, the epi center of all law suits (and threats of law suits). They may issue a stay of leg 6 if this keeps up.


Top four in double match race to Miami


At 1300 UTC on Tuesday, PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG had eked out a 14 nautical mile (nm) lead over CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand. Groupama sailing team were a further 27 nm back in third, 16.2 nm ahead of fourth placed Team Telefónica in a second hugely significant match race to the finish.

[Rennmaus]

O.k., SWS, I'm biting. What makes you think that the ACwhatever is still interested in match races?

Back to the topic: Are they all looking at the same weather data? I remember that Will Oxley (?) was once talking about two different weather models. So, does every boat has her "private" information or is there a central "pool" of data for all boats that must be interpreted and can lead to e.g. two different PoVs?

[Te Kooti]

Unless Camper can crab up a bit he will have to tack (to avoid hitting an island).

Should give Puma more miles.

Renny, I think they all get the same weather from race organisers.

No private sources.

Unless you have a taniwha in the lazarette.

P.S. The tracker is live.

[Te Kooti]

Is starting to look like a Knut Frostad fantasy.

Home team first into Miami.

Close action for the other places.

Hungry and emaciated sailors forced to go to an awards ceremony (before KFC).

Knut torn limb to limb and fed to famine-stricken Abu Dhabarians as they come around the breakwater.

On TV will look even better than the famous (was it deliberate?) RC capsize!

[bruno]

not sure that tnz will be tacking in a s'erly but carry on amusing yourselves

[SW Sailor]

O.k., SWS, I'm biting. What makes you think that the ACwhatever is still interested in match races?

Back to the topic: Are they all looking at the same weather data? I remember that Will Oxley (?) was once talking about two different weather models. So, does every boat has her "private" information or is there a central "pool" of data for all boats that must be interpreted and can lead to e.g. two different PoVs?

If multiple lawsuits were threatened over a little CupChat event to promote the AC to local Bay Area fans, nothing is off limits.

I believe their are multiple sources for weather models - the issue becomes which one do you rely on.

[Rennmaus]

Wow, TK and SWS, thanks for the (conflicting) answers. In the other thread - over at ORAC - I just read that one poster thinks the data is supplied by the VOR org. Hmmm, maybe fed by different sources, but the same data for all the boats.