Cheyenne continues chasing miles
Avg 23.4 kts since this morning on port gybe
Saturday 28 Feb 2004 - 1410 GMT - 360 nm NW of the Kerguelen Archipelago (Fr): (This afternoon's report is a based on data from a bit earlier today as Cheyenne is resetting the Inmarsat-C to the Indian Ocean Region and the 1710 report is delayed.)
Steve Fossett and crew continued E/NE on a port gybe throughout the day Saturday, averaging over 23 kts as they go North of the Kerguelen Archipelago. Later this evening they are expected to switch to a long starboard gybe to take them back to about 50 degrees S by early Monday.
The consistent westerlies of the past week are expected to continue - and strengthen as they move South and away from the area of High pressure above them. Next target: The longitude of Cape Leuuwin (115E) on Australia's SW corner - which they hope to cross by early Thursday, March 4th.
Geronimo - Testing conditions
28 February 16:00
After two and a half days at sea, Geronimo finds herself in a “weird but interesting” weather system.
“Conditions are unstable and not really viable, but it’s fun to sail in such a varied range of weather, even if it is pretty tiring. It demands a lot of attention and concentration at the helm and in the way we set up the boat. In just one day, the wind has ranged from 9 knots to 27, and swung around from north to northeast and back to north again. With systems as variable as this, helming isn’t always so simple when the wind moves about so much. But despite all that, Geronimo is a fantastic boat and she’s giving us a lot of fun, although there are a few too many calm patches for our liking”.
It’s now a time of maximum concentration for the Cap Gemini and Schneider Electric crew… but also one of intense activity. On deck, manoeuvres follow one after the other at the rate of twenty or more per day. “The crew is working well”, continued Olivier de Kersauson, “there’s a relaxed feeling and they’re stringing manoeuvres together magnificently – everyone seems happy”.
On the subject of the gennakers, no news is good news: “I’m touching wood. I have a big wooden clothes peg on my chart table… it seems to be working, but these are hardly ideal conditions for checking that things are working as they should”.
As Brittany was waking to this morning’s surprise of overnight snow, the crew were enjoying a warm 20°C on board Geronimo. “It’s a real luxury – we’re in waterproof trousers and shirtsleeves”.
With his eye now firmly on the Equator, Olivier de Kersauson only leaves his chart table to take part in manoeuvres. “In 48 hours, we’ll be passing the Cape Verde Islands, where I hope we’ll be able to pick up some decent wind. I can’t wait to get into the proper weather systems of the trade winds to see how well we can go”.
Point-to-point positions over 24 hours. - Day2:
GERONIMO
33°55N/14°20W
Number of nautical miles covered in 24 hours: 472.5 Average speed: 19.69
Orange I 2002 Record:
35°23N/16°13W
Number of nautical miles covered in 24 hours: 471.7 Average speed: 19.65
Orange II:
34°50N/11°16W
Number of nautical miles covered in 24 hours: 388.3 Average speed: 16.18
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