New York to Cape Lizard Record – Maserati crew face intense conditions

by Meaghan Van Liew on 11 May 2012 New York to Cape Lizard Record – Maserati is sailing at 20 knots toward Newfoundland after one day and six hours since crossing the starting line in front of Ambrose Light, in the bay of New York.

Last night went by without any problems on board but with many wind shifts caused by thunderstorms. In the past hours the wind has increased, reaching an intensity of 25-30 knots. This has allowed Maserati to sail even faster and to gain miles on the 'virtual' race with Mari Cha IV, currently the world record holder of the monohull speed record from New York to England. The mapping online shows Maserati's position along with Mari Cha IV's historic sail in 2003.

Tomorrow morning Maserati expects to reach the southeastern coast of Newfoundland, a critical area due to the floating icebergs and the strong winds (30 knots are expected). Cape Race, at the southeastern tip of Newfoundland, is known for its dense fog, rocky coast and the Cape Race lighthouse which was in communication with the captain of the Titanic immediately before the great ship hit an iceberg and sank.

Giovanni Soldini, on board of Maserati, writes: 'I am very pleased with the new crew that is getting along really well, more than I expected. Just after a few hours, it looked like we had been sailing together for years! We have finally caught the wind we were expecting and we are keeping a southern route so that when the wind increases we will be able to move quickly east. Heading north will be easier this way. I hope we don't come across too many floating icebergs tomorrow.'

American navigator and watch leader Brad Van Liew adds: 'Life on board is getting chilly and it is wet, but nothing like when we will sail through the North Atlantic cocktail in a couple Team Maserati website