The Artemis Transat 2008 - ARTEMIS OCEAN RACING II HITS THE WATER

The Artemis Transat 2008 - 10.-30.05.2008
www.theartemistransat.com - Oceanracing 2008

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The Class40 fleet keep things close in THE ARTEMIS TRANSAT

The 11 Class40 yachts have been in close contact since the very start of the race nine days ago with yachts at times clustered on the leaderboard and out in the North Atlantic within a handful of miles of each other. The fleet has changed formation a number of times, but there has been a distinct north-south divide as these evenly matched yachts try to extract every advantage and maximise boatspeed. Light downwind conditions turned into upwind sailing as the fleet crossed the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, but the highly experienced solo sailor, Giovanni Soldini, has maintained the lead throughout on Telecom Italia as the chasing boats attempt to dislodge the Italian offshore maestro from first place. With 1,500 miles of racing remaining, the three yachts tailing Soldini are separated by just 7 miles in terms of Distance To Finish and none of the skippers are backing-off the pressure. A period of light winds, the Newfoundland ice gate and the intensely competitive spirit of the Class40 skippers guarantees that the fight for the podium will be tough.

Day 9: Lining up for the ice gate
Soldini goes where the wind takes him - The fleet regroup for the ice gate - A grim discovery for Simon Clarke

Day 8: It's heating up in the North Atlantic (Sunday 18th May)
A few surprises and general relief as the blackout lifts - Non-stop position changes as the pack compresses - Life on board becomes increasingly demanding - The fatigue factor begins to count Read the full update here: http://www.theartemistransat.com/40/article.asp?sid=15322

Day 7: Suspense in the fleet (Saturday 17th May)
Unstable winds overnight and hard work for some, stable conditions for a few - Suspense building for the 0600GMT Sunday positions - A private party on board Telecom Italia Read the full update here: http://www.theartemistransat.com/40/article.asp?sid=15239

Day 6: Before the darkness descends (Friday 16th May)
High pressure ridge begins to bite - Light-air sailing skills are back in fashion - The impending blackout already causes a stir within the fleet Read the full update here: http://www.theartemistransat.com/40/article.asp?sid=15146

Day 5: Weighing up the options (Thursday 15th May)
High pressure ridge begins to bite - Light-air sailing skills are back in fashion - The impending blackout already causes a stir within the fleet Read the full update here: http://www.theartemistransat.com/40/article.asp?sid=15023

Day 4: Making every knot of breeze count ahead of a light patch (Wednesday 14th May)
No breakaway group as the fleet stays tight - Skippers squeeze the most from their yachts before a light zone arrives - A remarkable comeback by Boris Herrmann - The advantages of Benoit Parnaudeau's personal hygiene Read the full update here: http://www.theartemistransat.com/40/article.asp?sid=14921

Day 3: Spreading out into the Atlantic (Tuesday 13th May)
Different options north and south as the fleet finds open water - Close quarters racing as paths cross in the night - An impolite visitor on Custo Pol - Fatigue and illness for Boris Herrmann Read the full update here: http://www.theartemistransat.com/40/article.asp?sid=14825

Day 2: An endless first night (Monday 12th May)
A hard first night of close racing through heavy commercial traffic in the shipping lanes with thick fog at sunrise and Alex Bennett recalls the start in Plymouth. Giovanni Soldini and Telecom Italia win the Class40 prize at the Champagne Mumm race gate Read the full update here: http://www.theartemistransat.com/40/article.asp?sid=14735

Day 1: They're off! (Sunday 11th May)
A tight fight on the startline with the boats banking height at the top of the leaderboard Read the full update here: http://www.theartemistransat.com/40/article.asp?sid=14619