With Artforms less than 100 miles to the finish and holding a solid lead, Kip writes "The only real obstacle between me and the finish line are the tricky winds swirling around the lee side of la Soufrière, Guadeloupe's 1,476 meter-high volcano. Just in case the last 3,500 miles weren't quite enough, this last little stretch should take care of what's left - boats get stuck there for hours."

Kip is expected to cross the finish line off Pointe à Pitre early Thursday.

Rounding lee of island final obstacle

A few days ago, after a long night of very light upwind work, the breeze kicked in from the east and I shot off at nine knots towards the finish line. It was a huge relief knowing a big windless patch lay between me and Servane Escoffier and that all I needed to do now was to cross the finish line.

An hour later, the wind died. And so it was another long day under a broiling sun working to make the boat go fast on fumes.

The breeze slowly built through the early morning yesterday and by the time I'd polished off a short stack of pancakes, it was time to shift the gear back up to the high side, probably for the last time. Because there's very little food or water left, this job has become a bit faster and easier than when I left St. Malo. Still, it's a job I won't miss.

Then, around noon, the mountaintops of Antigua popped up on the far horizon. Another transatlantic voyage nears its end and another loop is made complete. Twenty-four years ago, with distinct feelings of trepidation, I remember watching these same mountaintops disappear as I set off on my first Atlantic crossing.

Now, the only real obstacle between me and the finish line are the tricky winds swirling around the lee side of la Soufrière, Guadeloupe's 1,476 meter-high volcano. Just in case the last 3,500 miles weren't quite enough, this last little stretch should take care of what's left - boats get stuck there for hours. The trick is to make sure you're well enough rested so that the maddening swirl of breeze and the requisite sail changes don't wear you out. Once you're past the volcano, a required mark set for spectators just a few hundred yards off the shore of Basse-Terre ensures no sleep before the finish line.

So, enough of this, it's time for a nap!

Kip Stone

http://www.ksopen50.com  http://www.routedurhum-labanquepostale.com/
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 15 November 2006 )