01.11.2002
Clipper 2002 CASCAIS port visit is sponsored by Camara Municipal de Cascais
and Marina de Cascais
Most of the boats are now clear of the continental shelf where the depth in the Western Approaches suddenly increases from around 100 metres to over 3000 in a matter of 20 miles or so. Although unseen on the surface this is an area which commends respect amongst seamen.
The wind has now picked up and the wind is 25 - 30 knots. Although not comfortable the good _blanks is that Rupert Parkhouse, the duty Skipper in Glasgow, reports it has gone round from the south, more to the west and they have tacked and are now making good a southerly course and cracking along at 8 knots.
Jersey is just hanging in at the lead but _blank York is in a great position well to windward. Having dropped back a bit yesterday PM Sam Fuller is once again challenging for first place. London has had a good run and has also closed up on Jersey but has sacrificed some westings to achieve this. The other big gain is Cape Town which recorded the best daily run in their efforts to regain contact with the fleet after their enforced stop at Milford Haven. They are now back in touch and if the weather plays tricks could soon be up with the others. What a great way to respond to their early disappointment!
Bristol also on a charge. I suspect Richard Butler does not want to talk too much about his time in St George's Channel two days ago but once again they are climbing up the ladder and are now back in 5th place. Hong Kong and Glasgow have both lost ground but I suspect this is a reflection on when they have tacked.
_blank York is right out on her own to the west and whatever the wind does they must have the weather advantage. Will this mean that they can take the lead or will the centre of the fleet continue to power through the middle? It is not too comfortable out there but the crews have now got over their seasickness and have settled down into a routine which will become all too familiar to them over the following months.
Chris Ison from the PA is onboard Glasgow Clipper and has sent back some superb photographs. These will be displayed on the web on a continuing basis.
Service note:
We are looking at different plotting methods at present. You will see a variety of maps over the next few days. We will endeavour to include notes explaining the plotting.
Hong Kong's Mini M is not working and therefore they can not send emails at present.
Liverpool's Inmarsat C is not operational and therefore they are not showing on any 'polls' done by the Race Office. Both snags will be fixed in Cascais.
Colin de Mowbray
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