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24/01/2005
Lone yachtswoman's lead evaporates in South Atlantic
On day 57, the lead that lone yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur has maintained over the record round-the-world east-to-west pace set by Francis Joyon had evaporated as light winds have slowed her 75-foot trimaran, 'B&Q'.
After sailing 22,500 miles at an average boat speed of 16.5 knots by 7:10 (GMT), this morning B&Q which is working up the east coast of South America had lost the lead and the deficit is expected to get worse as light winds lie ahead closer to the equator.
MacArthur had maintained an advantage over current solo round the world record holder, Joyon, since the seventh day of her attempt and in fierce weather conditions in the Southern Ocean had given just over four days in hand on reaching Cape Horn on the 46th day.
However, since Cape Horn MacArthur's lead has been eroded. B&Q was forced to sail back along her track for a time to effect repairs to the mast when the mainsail broke loose, and then had to work northwards off the coast of South America in unfavourable weather conditions.
But Ellen MacArthur, who is battered and bruised after ascending the 85 foot mast to make emergency repairs, remained upbeat: "Things could be a lot, lot worse," she said. "If someone had told me I was going to be four days ahead at Cape Horn, I would have thought they were mad. But that time buffer has proven very useful in dealing with the complicated weather of the South Atlantic - if we had not had that advantage, things would be a lot worse now."
The South Atlantic was kinder to Joyon in his record attempt as he sailed almost 399 miles towards the finish, whilst Ellen is unlikely to manage more than 100-150 miles today in very light air.
Effectively, today the race restarted at zero, and the winds forecast along her expected course will see the huge trimaran coasting slowly northward.
The equator lies 1100 miles to the north. MacArthur must cross "the line" by around 8.35 GMT on Saturday, January 29 to stand a realistic chance of beating Joyon's record of 72 days, 22 hours, 54 minutes.
(SP)
After sailing 22,500 miles at an average boat speed of 16.5 knots by 7:10 (GMT), this morning B&Q which is working up the east coast of South America had lost the lead and the deficit is expected to get worse as light winds lie ahead closer to the equator.
MacArthur had maintained an advantage over current solo round the world record holder, Joyon, since the seventh day of her attempt and in fierce weather conditions in the Southern Ocean had given just over four days in hand on reaching Cape Horn on the 46th day.
However, since Cape Horn MacArthur's lead has been eroded. B&Q was forced to sail back along her track for a time to effect repairs to the mast when the mainsail broke loose, and then had to work northwards off the coast of South America in unfavourable weather conditions.
But Ellen MacArthur, who is battered and bruised after ascending the 85 foot mast to make emergency repairs, remained upbeat: "Things could be a lot, lot worse," she said. "If someone had told me I was going to be four days ahead at Cape Horn, I would have thought they were mad. But that time buffer has proven very useful in dealing with the complicated weather of the South Atlantic - if we had not had that advantage, things would be a lot worse now."
The South Atlantic was kinder to Joyon in his record attempt as he sailed almost 399 miles towards the finish, whilst Ellen is unlikely to manage more than 100-150 miles today in very light air.
Effectively, today the race restarted at zero, and the winds forecast along her expected course will see the huge trimaran coasting slowly northward.
The equator lies 1100 miles to the north. MacArthur must cross "the line" by around 8.35 GMT on Saturday, January 29 to stand a realistic chance of beating Joyon's record of 72 days, 22 hours, 54 minutes.
(SP)
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