Gales Force winds set to blast Osaka fleet

by Al Constable on 25 Apr 2003 Meterologist Roger Badham advised the Melbourne to Osaka race control last night that Ex typhoon Kujira was located at 22.1N 122.8 E and moving 030 degrees at 6 knots with max average wind of 35 kts with gusts of 45 kts.

It is expected to accelerate to the NE tomorrow, to be close to Osaka on 26th at 0000Z from where it will be absorbed into a frontal system and the area of gale force winds move away rapidly to the NE. Cyclonic winds will be strongest on the E - SE quadrant.

Forecast positions (date/time in Z) from the JTWC (Joint Typhoon Warning Center)

25/0000Z 26.6 N 125.0 E max average wind 35-45 kts

26/0000Z 33.4 N 134.9 E max average wind 35-45 kts

Strongest winds for the remaining fleet will be between 25/1200Z and 26/0000Z between 35N and 29N where S-SW winds will build to 35-45 kts - those gale force winds lasting for approximately 12-18 hours.

At 8am this morning Louise was 107 miles south east of Muroto Saki, 180 miles from Osaka with an ETA of Saturday night. Salaku is just over the horizon from her and expected to finish before mid-night Saturday night.

The south eastern island groups of Japan are currenly experiencing strengthening south easterly winds in the 20-25 knot range as the weather system approaches.

Boots is currently 253 miles south south east of Muroto Saki. 335 miles from Osaka.

Naniwa currently second in the Cruiser B class is another 150 miles behind.

The last boat in the 2003 melbourne to Oska fleet, Fine Tolerance is 438 miles north of Saipan. She should finish on May 3rd.