Too much wind blows racing off the Hauraki Gulf

by LV media on 24 Nov 2002 For the second successive day in the Louis Vuitton Cup quarter final repechage, racing was cancelled today because the weather conditions were unsuitable.



However, the Hauraki Gulf showed opposite sides of its character, with racing abandoned yesterday because of not enough wind and today because of too much wind.



Winds from the east north east today whipped up lumpy conditions on the Hauraki Gulf, and before racing could begin, one of the yachts suffered damage. The Swedish Victory Challenge yacht, Orm, broke its boom while under tow in the heavy seas.



The Swedish crew were spared having to make emergency repairs, however, because the Race Committee hoisted the AP over A flag signal at 13.35 to indicate a cancellation of racing.



Winds had been hovering at or above the 19 knot starting wind limit for some time. The Race Committee had hoped that a squall crossing the race area after midday would bring lighter conditions.



But, it soon became clear that the winds were unlikely to ease during the afternoon and the decision was made to call it off.



This means the best-of-seven repechage matches between OneWorld and Stars & Stripes and between Prada and Victory Challenge will start tomorrow – weather permitting.


The first warning gun in the Quarter Final Repechage is scheduled for 13:05 daily.