Boats cope with variable winds. Vic-Maui race

by Peter Bennett on 2 Jul 2002 As the fleet picked its way further South today, 'Turicum' signalled she has withdrawn from the race. A C&C 44 from the Vancouver Rowing Club, and veteran of two previous Vic-Mauis, she has already altered course for San Francisco, and expects to be there in about two days.

Skipper Warren Hale and his crew felt that with current weather conditions ahead, they could not reasonably expect to complete the race within the time limit. Also, they don't have enough resources on board to spend much time at sea beyond it. It's another example of a tough but sensible call by experienced sailors. The remaining 15 boats are experiencing varying wind conditions.

'Icon', a Perry 65 from Seattle Yacht Club, is now leading Division A and the Fleet on corrected time. She is closing in on two other front-running boats, 'Charlemagne' and 'Greyhound'. They are both J36s with identical ratings, and reported almost identical positions today. It will be interesting to see whether they remain this close throughout the race. Considering the weather they have been through already, it is pretty remarkable. These two Division C yachts are
sixth and seventh overall.

The leaders are sailing in about 20 knots of wind from the Northwest. The faster 'Icon' logged about 198 miles in the last 24 hours, while the two J36s got in around 130 or so. All three are hooked into the top right-hand corner of the High (an area predicted to move westwards) and typically stronger winds are developing along the Californian coast. The leading yachts are thus well-positioned to take advantage of these trends to ride around the edge of the High.

Further back, many boats are struggling in light conditions, four logging less than 100 miles yesterday. 'The Rusty Unit' deserves a special moment of sympathy for her daily run of 32 miles at an average speed just over one knot; at roll call she simply reported 'no wind'. Depending on the weather they each encounter over the next few days, some boats may have difficulty reaching Lahaina before the time limit. It doesn't mean they won't get there!

'Jeito' passed a large cylindrical object four metres long and one metre in diameter in position 4213N 12821W. It had no markings, and could have been a tree or metal object. Anyway, it was light-coloured, with rusty streaks. Any guesses? 'First Sight' caught a 5lb tuna, grilled it and had it for both lunch
and dinner. The crew would have liked to invite 'Oriole' join them.

'Surt' reports a ruptured pipe to the seahead, and would like to congratulate Vern Berkhardt for his heroic efforts in sticking his finger in the pipe while the head was being repaired.

'Renegade' wishes to enter Chris Smith for the Thomas Crapper award for passing 40lb of bad material and repairing systems without a kit. Everything is working now.

'Oriole' reports a great phosphorescent display last night from two dolphins dancing around the keel. They swam together gracefully around the boat for about half an hour. MS John Millie won an extra dessert for heroically jumping out of bed to investigate the cause of some smoke onboard. It was found to be a shorted wire and was quickly isolated.

Altogether, another busy day at the office. And, it seems, in the head.