The Race...Team Legato battles headwinds to Las Palmas

by Barry Pickthall on 5 Apr 2001 25 - 30 knot head winds delay TEAM LEGATO's arrival in Las Palmas

25-30 knot head winds are slowing their progress towards Las Palmas in the
Canaries where they intend to make a pit-stop to replace the broken ball
joint supporting the catamaran's wing mast.

At 09:00 GMT today, TEAM LEGATO was 200 miles from her destination, battling
against 25-30 knot head winds. Team Legato has reported to have taken an
extra reef in to protect the mast from being damaged further in the big
seas. If TEAM LEGATO is able to continue at her present speed, they should
arrive in Las Palmas about 07.00 GMT Thursday

Meanwhile in Las Palmas. The crane is on standby and Ron Hansford engineer
from Carbo Spars arrives this evening with the replacement ball joint. TEAM
LEGATO shore manager Barry Pickthall today said 'Providing there is no
damage to the mast, the replacement ball joint could be replaced in 4 hours.
However it could take up to 12 hours if further repairs are needed.'

The good news is that TEAM LEGATO have about a 1 day margin on Warta
Polpharma, and will be able to continue at maximum speed once repairs are
made.

This will make for an extremely exciting dash to the finish, with both boats
predicted to arrive in Marseilles on Wednesday 11th April


Leading positions at 07:00 GMT today

1. Club Med Finished Marseilles 19:56GMT 3.03.01

2. Innovation Explorer Finished Marseilles 11:32GMT 6.03.01

3. Team Adventure Finished Marseilles 09:30GMT 24.03.01

4. Team Legato +1,577miles - Crossed Equator 25.03.01

5. Warta Polpharma +153 miles - Crossed Equator 25.03.01

6. PlayStation - RETIRED 14.01