Overall Global leaders stick close mid-fleet

by Rachel Anning on 30 Jun 2005 In Leg 6 of the Global Challenge, the three crews at the top of the overall leaderboard – BG SPIRIT, BP Explorer and Spirit of Sark - have been tail gating each other, and generally sticking like glue to one another, ever mindful that one might just get away.

This obsession may explain their reason for being mid fleet when normally they hog the pole positions at the front of the pack. However, this may be changing. Today the three have opted for slightly different approaches as the fleet awaits stronger the breezes expected in around 12 hours.

‘We are on the right side of the two boats that matter most,’ wrote David Melville yesterday, speaking of first placed overall, BG SPIRIT and Spirit of Sark, which they share second place with.

Interestingly, BG SPIRIT, whose crew demonstrated their ability to make bold moves away from the middle line in the previous leg, have moved to the north of the fleet.

Spirit of Sark has taken up the middle ground, in literal terms, with yachts north and south of its position, and BP Explorer is now one of the most southerly teams. At present, BP Explorer is in sixth place, BG SPIRIT in seventh and Spirit of Sark in ninth.

Currently in the lead is Team Stelmar, closely followed by Imagine It. Done. 10 miles behind. Dee Caffari, skipper of Imagine It. Done. spoke for the fleet when she reported their plan, ‘to take advantage of the stronger breeze from the bottom of a depression to the north of the track.’

Although SAIC La Jolla is still lying in a solitary position south of the pack, her crew has made a move north. They lie in fourth place, having lead earlier in the race, when their southerly stance paid dividends.

One team who seem sure of their course is Barclays Adventurer. Yesterday, skipper Stuart Jackson reported, ‘we are sailing a direct course and will continue, as we don't have any reason not to do so.’

In a solid fifth position and only 17nm from first place Team Stelmar, they will be one to watch considering their previous form during Atlantic legs, coming in first place on Leg 1 and second place on Leg 2.

The penultimate leg may be fiercely competitive, but it is also a time of great reflection for the crews who have been away from family, friends and all they have known for more than nine months.

BP Explorer’s John Bass wrote: ‘Those who have rented their houses out may not be able to move in right away, so will be staying with friends and family.

‘Some will be returning to their old jobs, but others need to start looking for work. The aft computer is occupied most of the time, as crews type their CVs in their off watch, and try to arrange interviews.

‘For some of us, this race has led us to seek a totally new direction. Another adventure; starting a business, that we perhaps lacked the confidence to start before, or just a different career path. There is a genuine buzz of excitement as to what the future holds.’

Fleet positions:

Team Stelmar 1,150 (miles to the finish)

Imagine It. Done 10 (distance to leader)

Me to You 11

SAIC La Jolla 16

Barclays Adventurer 17

BG SPIRIT 21

BP Explorer 23

VAIO 30

Spirit of Sark 34

Team Save the Children 36

Pindar 39

Samsung 50


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