Volvo 60’s looking for more juice

by Al Constable on 27 Dec 2004 One of the races within a race in the 2004 Rolex Sydney to Hobart race is between the five Volvo 60’s. While these ocean racing 60 footers are beginning to age, they are built like tanks and thrive on tough conditions.


Leading the pack this morning is Andrew Short Marine, formerly djuice dragons from Norway.

Sydney sailor Andrew Short sailed her south in 2003 and was fifth on line honours and went on to win line honours in the 2004 Southport to Mackay race.


The 12 race veteran commented this morning’ ‘We are looking forward to stronger Bass Strait conditions today, particularly if we can shift into strong reaching conditions.’


Second behind her, five miles astern is the Kookaburra Challenge’s Nokia. This boat won the 1998 Volvo Ocean Race as EF Education and raced in the 2000 Hobart Race as illbruck, finishing 3rd over the line.


Whilst this Volvo 60 had moderate results as Magnavox, much greater things are expected in the 2004 Hobart race. With a complete suite of new North Sails, new rigging, new deck fittings and a new ballast system, this Nokia sponsored Volvo 60 could shift up a gear if conditions strengthen.

And strengthen they will, with 40-45 knots expected as the Volvo 60’s reach Flinders Island later this afternoon.


At seven am this morning, these were the fleet positions.

Standings




At race time 00:17:50 - 27 December 2004, 7:00am


YACHT NAME LAT LONG DTG SOG COG


VOLVO 60 Overall

1 Andrew Short Marine 37° 36' S 150° 42' E 401.0 9.2 160


2 Nokia 37° 18' S 150° 35' E 416.2 9.2 160


3 DHL - Getaway Sailing 37° 13' S 150° 41' E 422.5 10.8 135



4 Indec Merit 37° 16' S 150° 55' E 422.8 9.2 145


5 Seriously TEN 37° 01' S 150° 44' E 434.8 16.2 180