Weather Key Focus For Team News Corp In Final Volvo Ocean Race Build Up

by Newscorp Media on 21 Sep 2001 Team News Corp’s boat preparations for the start of the Volvo Ocean Race 2001-2002
are now complete. Weather routing and race day strategies have taken priority for Team
News Corp as the race start on Sunday, 23 September 2001, approaches.
Headed by skipper Jez Fanstone, the Team News Corp afterguard now receives and
analyses weather data daily.

The Team News Corp afterguard is made up of made up of navigator Ross Field (NZ),
meteorologist Nick White (NZ) and watch leaders Steve Cotton (AUS) and Jeff Scott
(NZ).

Team News Corp also employs the shore-based services of French weather router Pierre
Lasnier (FRA).

“We are looking very closely at how the weather systems are developing before the race
start.” says Nick White. “Lasnier provides specialist input.”

Lasnier is an oceanographer and weather router and worked with Field on the ‘RF
Yachting’ record breaking 1999 Fastnet Race win, the European MaxiOne series and the
2001 Rolex Fastnet which saw Team News Corp take the V.O.60 trophy over rivals
illbruck, Assa Abloy and Team SEB.

Data from Lasnier is received regularly via email and fax and continues until one hour
before the start.

Weather routing will guide Team News Corp as they round the Needles off the Isle of
Wight and start their trek South to Capetown.

“That’s not to say our route for the first day or two is set in concrete.” says Field. “After
the start, there’ll be numerous factors to take into account; slight changes in weather,
our position as we cross the line, and the placement of the other boats. Weather routing
has worked very well for me in the past – but if other factors come into play, we’ll have
no hesitation in changing plans.”

Sailing South, Team News Corp negotiate their way through the tricky Doldrums and
then on to way points, Ilha de Noronha and Ilha de Trinadade before heading for
Capetown. The leg is expected to take approximately 31 days. On-board meteorologist,
Nick White, will ensure data received over pre-determined internet sites and the weather
fax is presented clearly.

“Nick works closely with me on board,” says Field. “He provides us with an accurate
assessment of the data we receive. Nick is a trained meteorolgist and will give us
in-depth information to continually update and modify our tactics.”

Team News Corp starts the Volvo Ocean Race on Sunday at 3pm BST from a start line
off Cowes on the Isle of Wight, in the South of England.

Team News Corp has been based in South England since its launch in New York in July.
Pre-race preparations were completed at Camper and Nicholsons Boat Yard in Gosport
before the boat moved to Ocean Village, Southampton last Saturday in preparation for
the race start.
By:
Ashley Abbott, PR/Communications Director, Team News Corp