BT Global Challenge Update

by Chris Tibbs on 5 Jun 2001 Logica continue in the lead as they pass Dakar, the most westerly tip of Africa. Their lead over 2nd placed Compaq has been slightly increased to 14 miles whilst their lead over the rest of the fleet has, on the whole, been increased by considerably more.

The only yacht to improve on Logica's 24-hour run was LG FLATRON, they continue to close on the leaders although yesterday it was by only 1 mile. It is however significant that as all the others lost miles they managed to gain. They are still 94 miles behind and have yet to pass Dakar but their steady progress will keep the boats in front looking over their shoulders.

Norwich Union appeared to temporarily overtake Isle of Man only to fall back again early this morning; Norwich Union has problems with their generator and last nights position was one of dead reckoning and may have been a little optimistic. There should however be an opportunity to overtake today as Isle of Man are 25 miles to the east and struggling to clear Dakar. If they have to tack to the west it will slow them down and they will lose miles.

The yachts at the back all got caught as the doldrums moved north and trapped them with light variable winds. The previous day's gains were wiped out and Olympic Group lost a staggering 91 miles and dropped into last place, 312 miles behind the leaders. In the back group of 5, Save The Children did the best but still lost 30 miles to Logica as they headed to the east; they are now following the tracks of the lead pack but are over 100 miles behind BP in 7th place.

With a fairly quick run through the doldrums the lead pack have managed to catch up a little of the time lost at the beginning of the leg. Best estimates of an arrival date are the 17th for the leaders, with the rest of the fleet arriving over the following few days.

Chris Tibbs,

Former BT Challenge Skipper (1996/97) & Whitbread Veteran