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Board » Flag Officers » Races » SWR Leg 7

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Posted by
NZL_Scotsman


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2012-05-25 07:29:18 - SWR Leg 7
The last of the ocean legs of this year's SWR. 3590nm crossing the North Atlantic from Miami to Lisbon. The start and finish are further south than the traditional Atlantic cross ports - will this result in different routes across the pond?

The attached plot was taken 10 hours after the race start. We can see part of the VO70 polar clearly in the fleet which has mostly spread out between N and NE. Those heading north are trying to speed north and are not concerned with the rhumb line (which is ENE).

Traditionally this is the fastest route, where the coast of North America is hugged before heading east towards the UK. Whilst we do not have the advantage of the gulf stream here, this route is still likely to be have faster speeds - but a longer distance.
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2012-05-25 07:37:22 - Re: SWR Leg 7
After 30 hours of racing we can see why so many boats were keen to get north as quickly as possible with the attached plot. The cyclone is clearly seen to the NW of the fleet.

Part of the fleet has been left behind, when some light winds ensnared those who were too far east and therefore too slow.

Those who made it this far - and it is quite a large pack - have gybed and are continuing NE. The cyclone is moving in an unpredictable way though, which caught out the real boats with Camper the further north and the worst affected. They lost 25nm on the others in less than 6 hours.

A similar effect has happened here. I gybed slightly too late and have lost some miles on those further south. Those near the centre of the cyclone will lose many more.
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2012-05-25 07:43:07 - Re: SWR Leg 7
The leading pack is still relatively tightly bunched after 3 days racing. The cyclone has eased and headed north. This seems to have disrupted the normal weather patterns of the whole North Atlantic.

There are no large depressions crossing the ocean. Indeed, there is little sign of them developing. The cyclone must have sucked out a huge amount of energy.

However, there is a very large front ahead of the fleet. We are all desperately trying to stay in the front, as the wind strength and angle is very favourable. Fall out the back, then you will be forced to gybe north or drift south and will lose ground.

But staying in the wind is not easy as the system is moving fast. This requires sailing at near maximum boat speed and sacrificing any thought of heading north.

This is risky, they further south you drop out of the front, the worse the position you will be in. It is like being in the balloon that climbs ever higher. Jump early and you may survive the fall. The longer you wait...
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2012-05-25 07:52:32 - Re: SWR Leg 7
Day 4: Most boats have now lost touch with the large weather system than was conveying the fleet to the east. Only a few boats furthest south are still in it. The system is also breaking up which will make it very challenging for 76trombones and company to find a fast way to the finish.

The rewards could be great, my router suggested they would finish over a day ahead even though I was less than an hour behind them when I gybed.

I've highlighted sadlersailing. We were in the same position when I gybed. This will be a useful comparison for the rest of the race to see who made the better choice. He is just within touch of the front - but needs a lot of luck find good winds.

Many of the pre-race favourites are to my north. Whilst their stronger wind looks good, I have better wind direction - so we are even at the moment. However, when the wind forces us to tack they will be ahead. I'll need a lot of luck to finish high up the rankings. My southerly adventure has cost me dearly.

--- Last Edited by NZL Scotsman at 2012-05-25 07:57:18 ---
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2012-05-31 12:13:47 - Re: SWR Leg 7
SOL paths (ita 10267 and 76Trombones) vs irl.
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2012-06-01 04:48:40 - Re: SWR Leg 7
Day 5
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2012-06-01 04:49:25 - Re: SWR Leg 7
Day 7
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2012-06-01 04:50:01 - Re: SWR Leg 7
Day 8


--- Last Edited by NZL Scotsman at 2012-06-01 04:51:58 ---
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2012-06-01 04:50:34 - Re: SWR Leg 7
Day 9
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2012-06-01 04:53:23 - Re: SWR Leg 7
Sorry I didn't keep up the thread during the race. I posted the screen shots I took during the race.

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