Sander
**
Nov 14, 2005, 10:43 AM
Post #6 of 12
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Re: [coiler] Hardcore conditions in VOR
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And then there were only four...... It seems that the two Kouyoumdjian boats are well up there with their speed, even if conditions are a little less extreme. Both are with the Farrs now, and the difference in theoretical distance to finish is really only the result of ABNAMRO TWO moving out West where there indeed seems more wind eventually. If Josse gets this right he may build a lead, as the other 3 boats are considerably to his East.
Contrary to the reply above I would argue that the boats should not necessarily be only optimised for the conditions as found in the first 24 hours. Yes, downwind sailing in tough wind and high waves is important, but it then mostly comes down to how far you are willing to put the foot down (on the brakes that is). Top speed becomes irrelevant. Many previous Whitbreads have been won or lost on the Atlantic legs where low winds have a big impact on fleet results. And in the VOR2005 there is another 20% of points gained during in-port races, which makes wide range flexibility even more important. If designing a fast downwind flyer was really that obviously necessary then Farr would have done that too, he has more winning experience in this race than anyone.
What speaks for the ABNAMRO boats are their twin rubbers which will hopefully allow them extra control in tough conditions, so that there is less necessity to slow down in the Southern Oceans.
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