Sal's Ocean Globe Race Analysis: Well done Pen Duick!
The rain stayed off and the breeze stayed favourable for Pen Duick VI to finish in style on the night of the 11th April, two days clear of the l’Espirit d’Equipe who are due to finish tonight. It has been a fast leg for them, showing form late in the race following slower early legs has put them out of the running for the Overall IRC. They will, never the less be delighted with their result for the fourth and final Leg of the Ocean Globe Race.
Neptune has similarly shone on this leg and the courage and determination of Bertrand, their crew member who lives with Parkinson’s disease has brought the admiration of all who have heard his story. There will be a very special welcome for them.
After sailing for nearly 30,000 miles it looks as if the overall IRC title is down to the wire. Before this leg Triana had a very convincing lead but they have had some very bad luck with the all too frequent light, fluky winds, there luck hasn’t improved as they run into headwinds and it looks as if the title will be stollen away from them at the last hurdle.
Maiden and Spirit of Helsinki are in a serious game of Snakes and Ladders dodging through light breeze for another 24 hours, whoever comes out best from the next day is likely to take the grand total of Overall IRC champion. It is most unlikely that either boat is aware of just how close it is, which is maybe just as well!
Sally (Sal) Hunter was part of the original Maiden crew to sail around the world in the 89/90 Whitbread Race. Sal has joined the Maiden Shore Team for the duration of the Ocean Globe Race, tracking Maiden and keeping us updated with sailing analysis updates!
