Strewth - drama in Rolex China Sea Race

by Event Media and Sail-World Asia on 22 Mar 2008 Enjoying a favourable breeze, the Rolex China Sea Fleet was a little more than halfway along the racecourse today.

The first night was not without its' drama though - at 0400 this morning (21 March), Australian Geoff Hill's TP52 Strewth reported via satellite phone to race officials that they had lost the keel and bulb. All crew on-board are safe.

The boat remained upright and watertight, and the crew have moved all heavy equipment down as low as possible in the bilge, and have filled their tanks with sea water to add stability. They have also unshipped the boom and stowed it below.

Strewth was 170 nautical miles east-southeast from Hong Kong and is now motoring back to Hong Kong at 3.5 knots. The Beneteau 44.7 Cloud diverted to Strewth's position and has been standing by as guard boat. Plans to despatch a relief vessel from Hong Kong, so that Cloud could continue towards the Philippines, were scrapped when when Cloud decided to retire and return all the way home with Strewth.

Later in the day they increased their speed to around 6 knots, and the boat is expected to arrive in Hong Kong around mid-day today (22 March), all being well. The crew spent the night on deck, wearing life jackets, and putting up with what one can only imagine was a very 'rolly' ride. Strewth was reported to be taking a small amount of water through the aft keel bolt, but it was only 'weeping'. The plan is to de-rig the boat and lift her immediately on arrival in Hong Kong - further update later today.

Meanwhile, in IRC Racing Division, the front-runners - FfreeFire 52, Hi Fi, Fortis Mandrake, and Full Metal Jacket are all within 30 miles of each other in about 12 knots of wind, with FfreeFire 52 leading, currently making nine knots. With approximately 270 miles to go, the boats are due to finish in Subic Bay on Saturday (22 March) early evening.

In the Cruising Division, Peter Churchouse's Moonblue 2 leads their division overall in front of Shatoosh, though the IRC Performance Cruising Division is also closely grouped.

The updated weather forecast has easterly winds, force 4 (11-16 knots) in area C, west of the Philippine coast.

Shore-based fans can follow the action online at www.rolexchinasearace.com as they are using PurpleFinder technology to provide satellite positioning from each boat, which is updated every two hours during the race.