25.11.2004
Trimaran title sponsor B&Q is the biggest DIY retailer in Europe and third biggest in the world. http://www.diy.com
PRESS ALERT: STANDBY MODE TO 'AMBER' FOR ELLEN MACARTHUR....
IN BRIEF
* STANDBY MODE CHANGES FROM 'RED' TO 'AMBER' FOR ELLEN MACARTHUR AND B&Q...
* POSSIBLE WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY FOR DEPARTURE THIS SUNDAY OR THE MIDDLE OF NEXT WEEK
* 60% CHANCE OF DEPARTURE WITHIN NEXT 5 DAYS FOR MACARTHUR'S ATTEMPT ON THE SOLO, NON-STOP ROUND THE WORLD RECORD...
For latest information, please go to http://www.teamellen.com
IN DETAIL:
The standby mode for B&Q has changed from Red to Amber signifying a possible departure from Falmouth within 72 hours. There is a possibility of a weather window for Ellen to depart Falmouth either this Sunday (28.11.04) or in the middle of next week.
B&Q will depart Falmouth to sail to the start line between Ushant (north coast of France) and the Lizard (south-west coast of England). B&Q will cross the start line at the French end (shortest distance to sail once across) within 24 hours of departing Falmouth.
The ideal weather for Ellen to start her solo, round the world record attempt is for the wind from behind or on the side ie from the north or north-west. Additionally it will take a strong area of High Pressure located over the Azores to create strong Trade Wind conditions south of the Canary Islands to propel the 75-foot trimaran south down towards the Equator.
WEATHER FORECAST BY COMMANDERS' WEATHER:
There will be a nice area of high pressure developing NW and N of the Azores on Saturday and Sunday for good start conditions. It would be perfect if the high is stationary, but it will move slowly SE, so several chances to get through the Canaries before the high arrives late Friday (3.12.04) and Saturday (4.12.04).
Next we need a NW, N, or NE wind in the start area. A cold front will move through the start area on Sunday with strengthening N winds during the afternoon and evening, as a low develops over NW France. Will have to race a ridge of high pressure approaching the Bay of Biscay, but we may be able to win the race.
The last situation with a Sunday afternoon/evening departure is a low pressure area passing near or N of Madeira Monday/Tuesday - this low has to keep moving to the E and will pass down the west side of the low.
Looks like good trade winds south of 20N/east of 30W for the end of next week.
TIME TO BEAT:
72 days, 22 hours, 54 minutes, 22 seconds
Set by Francis Joyon onboard IDEC
STANDBY MODES:
RED: No obvious weather window good enough to propel B&Q into the first stage of the course towards the Equator.
AMBER: 60 to 70% chance of departure in next 72 hours, Ellen with trimaran.
GREEN: Intention to depart within 36 hours.
For further information, please contact Offshore Challenges:
Lou Newlands
T: +44 (0)870 063 0210
E: lou@offshorechallenges.com
http://www.sailspeedrecords.com
Email powered by Active24
http://www.active24.com
B&Q has over 350 stores in the UK, China and Taiwan and employs about 40,000 people. With its sister DIY company Castorama which has stores in France, Italy and Poland, B&Q is the biggest DIY retailer in Europe and third biggest in the world.
http://www.diy.com
|
