Velux 5 Oceans Leg to Wellington updates

[splashprincess 17]

As the boats are now on their way to Wellington, I thought to keep everyone updated on their progress so that those of us still in town can come down to greet the boats when they arrive.

 

After a delayed re-start from Capetown, the boats have been at sea for 7 days and the lead boat has less than 5800nm to reach Wellington. ETA at this stage is early January for the first 4 boats. We will be waiting awhile for the last boat to arrive as he has returned to Capetown for repairs - for the second time!

 

For more information about the race have a look here http://www.velux5oceans.com/

 

The restart from Wellington is February 6.

[splashprincess 17]

Latest estimate from Velux has the first boat arriving in Wellington January 10th - and the last boat who knows? He still hasn't left Capetown yet!

[splashprincess 17]

Now only 4 boats coming to Wellington - Christophe has had to retire after attempting to leave Capetown for the 4th time!

[markm 30]

From yesterdays news release :

 

"she sails headlong towards the storm at around 12 knots. ".

 

Afraid either me or the race organisers / publicity seem a little confused about whether the boats are sailing east or west.

 

Sensationalising in journalism seems to be a fact of life but if these people had any sense they'd already know they don't have the wider public as an audience and this crap simply insults the intelligence of what audience they do have.

 

And as a pedantic point, given the Southern Ocean (only recognised since 2000) only starts at 60 degrees south, ie south of the boats route, and given the race course, shouldn't this really be the Velux 3 Oceans?