| At sea. Volvo Ocean Race: ABN AMRO TWO takes the lead |
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| Sunday, 15 January 2006 | |
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Tim Kelly and Camilla Green: In a battle of tactical decisions which saw ABN AMRO TWO continue an easterly track and ABN AMRO ONE begin the trek North, Sebastien Josse’s crew finally took the lead. There was huge frustration onboard ABN AMRO ONE as the high pressure they ran into on Saturday morning continued to provide winds of no more that 3 knots and all Mike Sanderson could do was sit and watch the impressive lead he’d built up over the last 13 days of this leg, get slowly devoured by his young team mates on ABN AMRO TWO. This morning’s position report confirmed Sanderson’s worst fears, that not only has Josse and his crew caught the leaders, they had created a lead of seven miles as ABN AMRO TWO continued to enjoy the stronger winds further south. More worrying for ABN AMRO ONE was the news that movistar had also reduced the gap and were in third place just 5 miles behind Mike and his crew. Speaking from the boat early this morning (GMT) Mike said, “What can I say.... right now we are having a fast spell 2.8 knots of Boat-speed !!!! in 3 knots of wind. In my report a few days ago I feared that I would be able to see the other guys when we got to Eclipse, now I am almost hoping that we can, as it will mean that they aren't that far in front!!” “Even in hindsight there is nothing we could have done differently.” said a dejected Sanderson, “We used all the info that we had at the time to plan a route through this thing, it's just that the guys behind due to being later getting to it, have been routed a more easterly course and it looks like they will escape the worst of the light winds. For us at the time that wasn't an option, well it certainly wasn't a good option without the benefit of a crystal ball. We would still do the same thing again tomorrow. So, all we can do is keep working hard and the guys are certainly doing that, we have worked too hard on this leg to let these guys get past us without a fight. If there is anything we can do we will do it to try and get to Eclipse first and get those 3.5 points, but more Importantly we need to fight hard just to be in striking distance for the sprint through to Melbourne. Don't give up on us.. there is a long way to go.” Mike Quilter, consultant navigator for TEAM ABN AMRO, was able to provide a little good news for Sanderson. “After Eclipse they will probably head south-east on the wind on port in 17-20 knots of wind with the wind gradually clocking left through the east then north-east and eventually into the north as the high moves to the south of Tasmania”, he said. “So there will be lots of upwind and reaching in good breeze – perfect for Mike and Seb.” This has certainly been the leg where the young sailors on ABN AMRO TWO have proved themselves to be strong contenders in the race. Earlier in the week they set a new 24-hour World Record run of 563 miles breaking the previous record held by ABN AMRO ONE. Latest positions: ABN AMRO ONE Position: 2nd Lat: 38 52.05S Long: 112 51.01E Distance to finish (DTF): 1676 nautical miles ABN AMRO TWO Position: 1st Lat: 39 03 01S Long: 114 4.1E Distance to finish (DTF): 1669 nautical miles Next position report: 15.00 GMT www.abnamro.com/team |
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 15 January 2006 ) |
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