Will Wild Child meet the Challenge? New Plymouth to Mooloolaba Solo Trans Tasman

by Bob Bower & Sail-World Editors on 4 Jun 2002 Tony Mowbray’s Solo Globe Challenger outpaced Phil Bower’s 6.5 metre Mini Transat Wild Child again today. Wild Child’s lead has now been reduced a further 25 miles to 45 miles and the scene is still set for a close finish at Mooloolaba probably on Thursday afternoon.

Position skeds are supposed to be made with Pentacomstat at 1650 (1850 NZ time) Wild Child’s last 24 hours sailing was 126 miles at 300 degrees averaging 5.3 knots with 337 miles to the finish line.

Solo Global Challenger’s last 25 hours to 2000 NZ (1800 Aust). Tony reported in late today, conditions often make solo sailing radio skeds a little difficult to meet: 154 miles at 290 degrees averaging 6.2 knots with 378 miles left to sail.

On those positions Wild Child bears about 45 miles at 290 degrees from Solo Globe Challenger with Wild Child 230 miles due east from Evans Head and Solo Global Challenger is 270 miles east of Iluka.

A recent position was not available for Skiddy Too

Weather affecting the racing area issued by BOM at 0600: HIGH 1033HPA 36S146E with ridge to 30S170E slow moving. Forecast within 250mn of high/ridge. Variable wind to 15 knots. Slight sea.

The two lead boats reported light easterlies this afternoon, which should continue the spinnaker work tomorrow until they move north of the ridge to northeasterly beam reaching conditions.

The Mini Transat Wild Child has no stove so Phil must be getting a bit sick of muesli bars and lollies after eight days!!

More information on this race is available at www.solo-tasman.com and www.sail-world.com/solotasman