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New
York are clearly running their own race, and so far are reaping
good rewards. Whether this was their original plan, or a function
of finding themselves as the most westerly boat early on, we know
not.
We
calculated yesterday that, at current speeds, we need to sail approx
30 miles more per day to catch them.
With
an average 24 hour run somewhere in the high 100s, we need to be
consistently recording 220+, if we are to make any impression on
their lead. Either that or we need them to hit some very light winds
and get parked!
London and Hong
Kong are both following New York and trying to emulate their success.
In fact surprisingly Hong Kong has given up some of their southern
benefit, and actually driven further north to follow New York's
route more directly.
The
development of Bristol's course has been watched with interest.
They have consistently held the middle ground between New York (the
furthest west), and us (the furthest south), almost as if trying
to cover both boats at once.
Over
the last 48 hours they have dropped further south, as if to meet
us down on the 17th Parallel. As of the 0400 radio schedule they
now seem to be tracking west again, once more covering both boats.
Liverpool
and Glasgow are still tied at the hip. Having a boat so close, especially
within view, can be very motivating in terms of keeping the boat
finely trimmed, in order to pull away from the other boat.
However
they seem to have been together for so long now, that they are no
longer benefiting from the relationship other than perhaps security
and peace of mind (and perhaps a boat to boat transfer of food or
cigarettes!) Over the last few days we have pulled away from them,
while they have been caught from behind by Cape Town.
So
in short, we need to take plenty of miles out of New York and Bristol
on a daily basis. If they maintain their current 24 hour runs, this
will be difficult.
That
said, we are this far south in search of stronger and more consistent
winds. However, it's a long way to go still, and the fat lady, well
she hasn't even run her bath yet!
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