Issue # 152

 Today's Sailing News 

Polpharma-Warta qualifies! 

On Friday the 25th while less than 600 miles from San Salvador the Polish crew on Poplar received a stiff challenge.  If they wanted to sail the 85 foot catamaran to a spot in The Race they would have to overcome a dismasting.

The cat's mast fell due to a chain plate failure.  The crew set up a jury rig using the 11 meter long boom.  They were able to fly two sails and continue at speeds of 9-12 knots.

This demonstration of adaptability allowed them to complete the Discovery Route in 14 days 6 hours 30 minutes and 24 seconds, an average of 11.34 knots.  Although not  a record this showing does make Polpharam the first boat to officially qualify for The Race.

The record of 12 days 12 hours remains for another boat to break.

Team Phillips to launch

Team Philips headed by Pete Goss is scheduled to launch Tuesday morning in England.  There is one thing that could delay this occurrence- force 8 winds.  Such gale force winds would prevent Team Philips from being crained afloat.  

Team Philips is closely monitoring the weather.  The now feel that it's about 50/50 that a 225 tone crane will launch the dual una rigged cat.  Best guess at a launch time is 1200.

If the weather cooperates Team Philips will be the second new boat launched for The Race. By April Team Philips will be making an attempt at the Jules Verne trophy.

Will there be a Race 4?

To date the 30th America's Cup has not been smooth.  There have 3 races and 3 attempts at racing abandoned.  All non racing has been a result of a non windy situation.

One of the meteorological scenarios that produces low winds is high pressure.  The New Zealand weather forecasts leads today with, "slow moving high over the Tasman Sea."  

This scenario produces a forecast of Southerly breezes dying.  After this a NE breeze may come in from the sea.  However, several times this NE winds has failed to materialize.

Sailors and spectators will just have to wait to see if a raceable breeze turns up.

If it does Prada carries the starboard tack advantage into the pre start.  It's often said that this advantage is at its greatest in light air.  Prada must prove this theory if they want to start a comeback.