Coastal Classic- Record predicted to be on the line
by Richard Gladwell on 20 Oct 2011
TVS in Viaduct Harbour - 2011 Coastal Classic Colin Preston
Projections from Predictwind.com show that on the current weather knowledge, and barring mishaps the record of 6hrs and 43 minutes held by supermaxi, Alfa Romeo (Neville Crichton) could be smashed by one of the two ORMA60 trimarans entered in the race.
Predictwind.com, developed originally for used by Alinghi to win the 2003 and 2007 America's Cups, is projecting a finish time of 5hours 15 minutes for the 120nm course.
Using a new feature of PredictWind.com which allows navigator/skipper to enter the start and finish co-ordinates and start time, the software package is predicting the ORMA60's will be sailing at speeds hovering around the 30kt mark for much of the race.
The wind is expected to be at a very favourable angle - allowing the fleet to sail north in 15-18kt winds and flat seas.
There will definitely be two of the ORMA60's on the startline - TeamVodafoneSailing's wingmast was stepped late this afternoon.
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/89807
