An upset in the Volvo OR ... Con Thode remembered ...Spectacular 18's

by . on 13 Oct 2014 Welcome to Sail-World.com’s New Zealand e-magazine for October 13, 2014

The Volvo Ocean Race had its first real upset this afternoon, when the women's crew of Team SCA, led the seven strong fleet by a healthy margin through the Straits of Gibraltar - and informal gate in the Race.

After the start of the race on Saturday night, NZT, the fleet stuck to their unanimous game plan - which was to stay with the bunch, not take risks and preserve a position ready for the open ocean section of Leg 1.

Many skippers expressed a fear of getting stuck in the Mediterranean.

Then around noon today, NZT, Team SCA decided they had enough of playing safe, and broke away from the group.

Navigator Libby Greenhalgh said the approach to Gibraltar had been quite tricky (they were sailing into a headwind blowing directly down the Strait).

'We chose to approach Gibraltar from the north, the rest of the fleet chose the south. We couldn't really understand why they picked the southerly route. To us the northerly route looked safer and was a more obvious way to go. So we left the rest of the fleet to it and got to Gibraltar quite a few miles ahead.

'We had to wait for the position report to confirm that we had crossed through, ahead of the others, as we could not see the (a combination of darkness and being too far ahead to see the others).'

'When the position report came in there were a lot of very happy people, including myself, said Greenhalge.

'In terms of separation we were 20 mile apart and were about 10 miles ahead.'

Team SCA had some nervous moments entering the Strait. 'We all parked up, got our anchors out, and actually started going backwards for a while.'

'For me it was good - that is Stage 1 of a very long leg. we wanted to make sure we were in good shape leaving the Gibraltar Straits - and I think we have achieved that.'

The Women's Team's achievement turned the form-guide inside out. Prior to this master-stroke, most would have thought Team SCA would have done well to have placed fourth or better.

While leading through the Mediterranean gate is an important psychological moment, the way the gain was achieved is a lot more significant - and maybe tells us that this will be a navigator's race. Given that the fleet is one design, boat placement on the course is likely to be critical, and many will now be rethinking conservative race strategies.

Of course, having a Women's crew beating six teams comprising arguably many of the best trans-oceanic sailors in the world - is a huge turn up. It is a feat that rarely happens in sport and is a testament to the attitude within the Women's team.

Certainly their late coach, Magnus Olsson, would have been overjoyed at his crew's achievement, and his laughter would be ringing in the ears of those behind Team SCA. Ohlsson had pulled a similar move on Leg 5 of the 2008-09 edition, to pull a big quick 100nm lead on the long leg from China to Rio de Janeiro. That gave him the leg win.

His proteges might not be quite at that size of lead yet, but if they can hold onto to their gains, then there is every chance they can add to it.

Even if the other boats do pull through Team SCA, their feat has certainly added some spice to the race and should lift the fans interest. For those who did not have a boat to back in the race - maybe their options became a little clearer today.

In this edition we pay tribute to Con Thode, the oldest member of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, who died last week. Con Thode was a long time sailor - one of the crew of the A-class Iorangi prior to World War 2. His RNZYS membership dated back to 1933.

He was the only volunteer reservist to command a submarine during World War 2. His war record was outstanding - although he would typically be rather modest about his service as he claimed others had done a lot more. Maybe he is right in that assertion. One only has to read the sadly too frequent obituaries of very unassuming war heroes and the challenges they faced, and level of responsibility they shouldered - often before they were even 21 years old. Certainly their life stories are both very humbling and inspiring.

Courtesy of Peter Montgomery, we can provide a very fulsome account of Con Thode's life, which, like many others is certainly worthy of a few moments quiet reflection.

On the local sailing scene, we have a report from the Auckland Women's Laser Cup, staged at Panmure Lagoon Sailing Club - seems like a good time was had by all.

The NZLYachting Trust New Zealand Optimist Team, is currently in Argentina. In this edition, we feature the first update from the team as they undertake their final build up for the 2014 World Championships.

And finally if you haven't got your design in for the ECsix T-Shirt, then you have until this Wednesday October 15 to finish your masterpiece and get it into Southern Spars. If you are judged to be the best entry, you'll win an expenses paid trip for two to a Volvo Ocean Race Stopover of your choice.

It's a great prize - just get your creative thinking flowing.

Stay tuned to our website www.sail-world.com for the latest news and developments in the sailing world.

Good sailing!

Richard Gladwell
NZ Editor

sailworldnzl@gmail.com

Send your news and images directly to Sail-World by http://www.sail-world.com/admin/add_story.cfm?rid=6!clicking_here

If you are a potential advertiser and want to understand how Sail-World can work for your company, website or product, then drop a line to Colin Preston at nzsales@sail-world.com

If you want to contact Richard Gladwell directly email: sailworldnzl@gmail.com or call (+6421) 301030

Don't forget to check our website www.sail-world.com/nz for all the latest news and updates from the sailing world.