The inaugural Mini Globe yacht race began this morning. Fifteen single handed, self built yachts, only 5.8m long crossed the start line on a year long race around the world. The first leg is from Antigua to Panama. The second from Panama to Fiji, 7200nm, with three of four stops to allow them to take the safest seasonal weather option. The boats left sailing should return to Antigua in a years' time.
5.8m is a tiny boat to cross an ocean in. Our dinghy is 3.1m long. Each boat is built to the same design; wooden frame covered with marine ply and a fibreglass skim. The average speed will be about 5knots and daily distances between 100 to 120nm and they have 24,300nm to sail.
We walked to the top of the hill overlooking the start line at the entrance / exit to Falmouth. One poor guy while having an issue with his sail before the start ran aground on a shallow patch. He managed to wiggle off and flow the fleet out.
Good luck!
No comments:
Post a Comment