| UK. Shetland Round Britain and Ireland is regaining its true reputation |
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| Monday, 26 June 2006 | |
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Event media: The second week has been very different, as fine sunny days with light breezes have given way to unseasonal storms. The Round Britain is regaining it's true reputation. A deep low moved in very slowly, hanging over-long in north Scotland. This hit our fleet as they moved into and beyond Barra, the second stopover port. All boats reached Castlebay safely, having experienced increasing winds on their way north. Troubles began on Monday 19th as winds increased to gale force from the south, and continued to harry all competitors whether at sea or sheltering in Castlebay, Barra. Many missed their departure times, preferring to act with seamanlike caution. Despite this some boats sustained damage - Cornwall PFS: Structural problems with hull, returned to Castlebay. Repaired and restarted. Kenmore: Dismasted SW of St. Kilda, returned to Castlebay jury rigged. Vijaya: Pitch-poled near St. Kilda, severe hull/keel damage, rig damage and some personal injury, returned to Castlebay. Jager: Diesel tank rupture, much diesel in bilges. Mop up at Village Bay, St. Kilda and continued. Jalfrezi: Knockdown but no significant damage. Cheetah of Plymouth: Mechanical strain to steering gear. Alacrity: Bowsprit broken in big wave, sail blowouts. Nevertheless continues to lead the fleet! Waverider: Sail blowouts. Ruffian: Dragged ashore in Barra, rudder damaged then lost. Since recovered and repaired. Blue Demon: Dragged ashore in Barra. Only minor damage. Knights Challenge: Precautionary Pan Pan at Barra Hd, Lifeboat escort to finish. The fleet is now effectively split by the enforced stay at Castlebay. The leading group are now experiencing more favourable winds while the second group struggled to reach Lerwick. The fat lady has yet to sing. http://www.rwyc.org/ShetlandRBI/news2506a.asp |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 26 June 2006 ) |
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