Barcelona World Race - Back in the North

by Barcelona World Race on 3 Apr 2015 Spirit of Hungary crossed the Equator back into the Northern Hemisphere at 1553hrs UTC this afternoon. Nandor Fa and Conrad Colman have taken 92 days 03 hrs 53 mins since the start on December 31st to return into Spirit of Hungary's 'home' hemisphere. They cross five day and ten hours behind Renault Captur.

Second placed Spanish skipper Guillermo Altadill praised Fa for his strength of character, his energy and his fortitude, paying tribute to his race today.

'He is a remarkable character. I cannot say that I would have his energy and drive to do so much the way he has when I am his age, designing, building and now racing the boat around the world.' said Altadill during today's live show in Barcelona.

Fa and Colman have emerged from the Doldrums today and are making 9.9kts north this afternoon although their problem in the short to medium term is that the trade winds are quite N'ly and so they will be unable to make very profitable northing. And, as yet, the winds are still quite light. Their ETA back in Barcelona is currently something like 21st April. Patience has been their outstanding virtue since the start and it is being tested again!

One Planet, One Ocean & Pharmaton have their 120 miles margin intact for the moment, as they sail north of the Canary Islands, but they are into much lighter airs and can expect their nemesis We Are Water to close miles in the coming hours.

Renault Captur have finally divested themselves of clinging weed which has gotten everywhere over the last three days, requiring back downs every few hours and severely affecting their ability to make energy with their hydros. Jorg Riecher and Sébastien Audigane are due at Gibraltar on 12th April.