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Clipper Round The World 2007-2008 Update :: Qingdao & New York |
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Sunday, 22 June 2008 |
 During race 13 from Jamaica to Cork, New York’s decision to delay tacking from port onto starboard slightly longer than their competitors has paid off, while Qingdao, Jamaica, and Hull & Humber are following close behind! The US team has managed to extend their slender lead by a few nautical miles in the past 24 hours. While a low pressure system moved across the fleet overnight in the Atlantic Ocean, the decision to delay the tack has proven to be the turning point in this extremely close race. All of these situations call for a good deal of anticipation. Qingdao, New York, Jamaica, as well as Hull & Humber have all pulled away from the rest of the pack and are battling it out for a close race 13 finish.
The whole fleet is now clear of the Grand Banks and north of the Flemish Cap, infamous from Sebastian Junger best-selling novel and Hollywood's film 'The Perfect Storm' (also known as the 'Halloween Storm' caused by harsh "Nor'easters"). Fortunately, the winds have been much kinder to the Clipper 2007-2008 fleet than the fishing boat 'Andrea Gail' as they continue their progress to Cork, Ireland, in this penultimate race.
Tacking too early or too late can cost miles
Timing and precision are all crucial factors of tacking and are purely dependent on the skipper's preference. Although still risky, there is a type of tack known as a "roll tack" which does have a uniform, "right" way of being completed.
In order to complete the tack, the vessel should have a considerable amount of speed. If a vessel lacks speed to complete a tack, the wind may overpower the boat's turn and "all hell will break loose" as the cracking noise of the vessel's sails trying to catch the wind will begin push backwards as it has no power to fight back. This event is most commonly known as "getting stuck in irons".
With the Atlantic winds remaining strong for the next few days as the high begins to dominate, it will boil down to boat speed rather than tactics. The wind being forecasted to come from behind the fleet will allow lots of spinnaker work before the next low pressure system takes effect.
Notes:
Family and friends may have noticed an absence of emails from crew during the last two days. The clipper's crew email system has been out of action but the operators assure us it will be working again by Monday, June 23rd.
source: www.clipperroundtheworld.com
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