Endurance sailing for Velux 5 Oceans fleet

by Tim Kelly on 10 Feb 2007 Bernard Stamm (SUI) powers past the Falkland Islands at top speed - Kojiro Shiraishi (JPN) back racing as the high pressure finally leaves him alone - Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (GBR) makes up ground in gale force conditions - Graham Dalton (NZL) feeling confident down south and looking to pass Unai Basurko (ESP)

Out in front, race leader Bernard Stamm and Cheminées Poujoulat continue to ride the strong westerly winds north-east through the South Atlantic, sailing 800 miles off the coast of Patagonia, maintaining high-speeds and covering 354 miles in the past 24 hours. As the Swiss skipper heads north he will be pleased to leave behind the cold expanses of the Southern Ocean and will now look north to the challenges that lie ahead, including the dangers and pitfalls of the Doldrums off Brazil.

The Southern Ocean pack in the Velux 5 Oceans, consisting of Unai Basurko on Pakea, Graham Dalton on A Southern Man AGD and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on Saga Insurance, remain locked in a tight battle amidst gale force conditions.

Fourth placed Dalton continues to reign in Basurko and is within 62 miles of stealing third place from the Basque skipper, who lost his wind instruments and reported a tear in his foresail. The kiwi skipper is around 150 miles south of Saga Insurance and is feeling confident about the southerly route he has chosen.

Sir Robin has been feeling the full impact of the storms, reporting force 6-7 and the sailing legend is expecting to be hit by force 8 overnight. Despite numerous problems onboard his Open 60, Knox-Johnston has been setting the fastest speeds of the back markers at an average of 11 knots. Although the weather looks ominous for Sir Robin, the experienced British skipper does not tire of admiring the power and the beauty of the oceans.

The bad luck continued for Kojiro Shiraishi on Spirit of Yukoh. In order to pass both mandatory waypoints, the Japanese skipper has been faced with uncharacteristically light winds of high pressure systems sitting right in his way. Having successfully passed through the second gate despite the windless areas, Shiraishi can now dive south and target the Horn. Despite the huge lead held by Stamm, Shiraishi is not giving up, knowing anything can happen before the end of the leg. Cape Horn is now 1,200 miles to the east and the spiritual adventurer should pass the famous landmark in around four days at current speeds.

Kojiro Shiraishi, Spirit of Yukoh:

'Last night we sailed into a valley between two squalls and for 6 hours we got nowhere. However! For the first time in 2 weeks the barometer read a pressure of below 1000hp. This stint of high pressure sure has been going on for a long, long time. To be in an area of high pressure like that in the southern ocean really is unheard of. On the other hand it has been a very interesting experience.'

'At last, I’m back racing again. It seems like Bernard has sailed far off into the distance. The way he’s sailed really is an impressive feat. Nevertheless the race goes on and none of us know what will happen until the very end. I want to keep a tight grip on second place and sail in ‘Yukoh’ fashion. I’m counting on you Yukoh! It’s been a while since we’ve sailed at this speed, and I’m starting to get a little nervous. The waves are cleaning the decks. Between today and tomorrow, low pressure will be passing through. I’ll be close to the centre of it and I’ll be taking extra precautions.'

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Saga Insurance:

'A day of strong winds, Force 6-7, and a large south westerly swell. Another front will come over tonight with 35 knots of wind (Force 8) according to the Kiwi forecast. Saga Insurance gets thrown about a lot in these conditions, which is tiring, and the deck is frequently washed.'

'Been in oilies all day waiting for the moment to reduce sail which will probably come soon, Murphy's Law says after dark. The dark rain clouds are forming to windward now. Not much else you can do except keep everything running and doze. You can watch the waves for hours, observe their enormous power, marvel at the way the boats rides them, but wish they were a bit smaller and the wind a tad lighter.'

Positions at 19:56 hrs - 9 February 2007

Pos	Yacht	No	Time	Latitude	Longitude	Course (deg)	Speed (knots)	DTF	DTL	Avg speed last pos	Dist last pos	Avg speed 24 hrs	Dist 24hrs
1	Cheminees Poujoulat	7	19:56	46° 55.88 S	047° 06.60 W	16	16.3	6082		11.78	71	14.51	348
2	Spirit of Yukoh	11	19:56	56° 05.92 S	095° 57.84 W	103	12	7880	1797	13.83	100	13.49	323
3	PAKEA	26	19:56	51° 12.50 S	126° 27.45 W			9052	2969	11.52	86	10.42	250
4	A Southern Man-AGD	2	19:56	52° 40.48 S	128° 40.84 W	89	11	9121	3038	10.05	86	10.54	253
5	SAGA Insurance	44	19:56	50° 46.40 S	128° 28.88 W	88	11	9132	3049	11.42	88	11.47	275