The Cone 100 miles from Diamond Head

by Rob Kothe on 26 Jul 2005 The Cone of Silence, the smallest boat in the 43rd Transpacific race from Los Angeles to Honolulu has just reported her position to race officials 100 miles east of the Diamond Head finish line off Honolulu.

Australia’s only entry in this 2225 nautical mile North American ocean classic has come from the back of the bus over the last four days and is fighting for the lead in Division III as she closes on the finish line.

Skipper James Neill just reported by satellite phone. ‘Its been a funny old day. Lots of squalls, then no breeze. We seem to be on a ladder now, but that could change any minute.

‘We are averaging 12’s, but would REALLY like to have some decent trade wind sailing before this race is over.’

The Cone has now finished. She sailed well over the final 24 hours and may have taken handicap vicotry. More news and pictures shortly.

Low orbit satellites are polling the Argos transceiver on The Cone’s stern rail every 30 minutes. The full data string is then downloaded to the French ground station and transmitted to Sail-World USA.

http://www.sail-world.com/yachttracker.cfm?SEID=71