Menu
24/01/2005
Lone yachtswoman's lead evaporates in South Atlantic
On day 57, the lead that lone yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur has maintained over the record round-the-world east-to-west pace set by Francis Joyon had evaporated as light winds have slowed her 75-foot trimaran, 'B&Q'.
After sailing 22,500 miles at an average boat speed of 16.5 knots by 7:10 (GMT), this morning B&Q which is working up the east coast of South America had lost the lead and the deficit is expected to get worse as light winds lie ahead closer to the equator.
MacArthur had maintained an advantage over current solo round the world record holder, Joyon, since the seventh day of her attempt and in fierce weather conditions in the Southern Ocean had given just over four days in hand on reaching Cape Horn on the 46th day.
However, since Cape Horn MacArthur's lead has been eroded. B&Q was forced to sail back along her track for a time to effect repairs to the mast when the mainsail broke loose, and then had to work northwards off the coast of South America in unfavourable weather conditions.
But Ellen MacArthur, who is battered and bruised after ascending the 85 foot mast to make emergency repairs, remained upbeat: "Things could be a lot, lot worse," she said. "If someone had told me I was going to be four days ahead at Cape Horn, I would have thought they were mad. But that time buffer has proven very useful in dealing with the complicated weather of the South Atlantic - if we had not had that advantage, things would be a lot worse now."
The South Atlantic was kinder to Joyon in his record attempt as he sailed almost 399 miles towards the finish, whilst Ellen is unlikely to manage more than 100-150 miles today in very light air.
Effectively, today the race restarted at zero, and the winds forecast along her expected course will see the huge trimaran coasting slowly northward.
The equator lies 1100 miles to the north. MacArthur must cross "the line" by around 8.35 GMT on Saturday, January 29 to stand a realistic chance of beating Joyon's record of 72 days, 22 hours, 54 minutes.
(SP)
After sailing 22,500 miles at an average boat speed of 16.5 knots by 7:10 (GMT), this morning B&Q which is working up the east coast of South America had lost the lead and the deficit is expected to get worse as light winds lie ahead closer to the equator.
MacArthur had maintained an advantage over current solo round the world record holder, Joyon, since the seventh day of her attempt and in fierce weather conditions in the Southern Ocean had given just over four days in hand on reaching Cape Horn on the 46th day.
However, since Cape Horn MacArthur's lead has been eroded. B&Q was forced to sail back along her track for a time to effect repairs to the mast when the mainsail broke loose, and then had to work northwards off the coast of South America in unfavourable weather conditions.
But Ellen MacArthur, who is battered and bruised after ascending the 85 foot mast to make emergency repairs, remained upbeat: "Things could be a lot, lot worse," she said. "If someone had told me I was going to be four days ahead at Cape Horn, I would have thought they were mad. But that time buffer has proven very useful in dealing with the complicated weather of the South Atlantic - if we had not had that advantage, things would be a lot worse now."
The South Atlantic was kinder to Joyon in his record attempt as he sailed almost 399 miles towards the finish, whilst Ellen is unlikely to manage more than 100-150 miles today in very light air.
Effectively, today the race restarted at zero, and the winds forecast along her expected course will see the huge trimaran coasting slowly northward.
The equator lies 1100 miles to the north. MacArthur must cross "the line" by around 8.35 GMT on Saturday, January 29 to stand a realistic chance of beating Joyon's record of 72 days, 22 hours, 54 minutes.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 February 2015
Gleneagles Object To T In The Park
The Gleneagles Hotel has lodged a formal objection against the staging of a T in the Park event at Strathallan Castle. The objection concerns noise and traffic levels at the Castle during any proposed festivals. It is understood that the festival site and the hotel are approximately 12.
Gleneagles Object To T In The Park
The Gleneagles Hotel has lodged a formal objection against the staging of a T in the Park event at Strathallan Castle. The objection concerns noise and traffic levels at the Castle during any proposed festivals. It is understood that the festival site and the hotel are approximately 12.
29 June 2004
Ellen MacArthur sails to within minutes of transatlantic record
After sailing 2,925 miles, Ellen MacArthur's time in the B&Q trimaran sailing the Atlantic from west to east was just 75 minutes short of the 7 day, 2 hour, 34 minute record set by Laurent Bourgnon in 1994. Over the seven days the giant yacht averaged just over 17 knots, only to hit a patch of light winds of under 15 knots.
Ellen MacArthur sails to within minutes of transatlantic record
After sailing 2,925 miles, Ellen MacArthur's time in the B&Q trimaran sailing the Atlantic from west to east was just 75 minutes short of the 7 day, 2 hour, 34 minute record set by Laurent Bourgnon in 1994. Over the seven days the giant yacht averaged just over 17 knots, only to hit a patch of light winds of under 15 knots.
22 January 2015
Mirror Group Settles Four Phone-Hacking Claims
The Mirror Group Newspapers has settled a number of phone-hacking claims. It is understood Cilla Black, Darren Day, Jessie Wallace and Peter Andre have all settled their claims against the newspaper group, which produces titles including the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and Sunday People.
Mirror Group Settles Four Phone-Hacking Claims
The Mirror Group Newspapers has settled a number of phone-hacking claims. It is understood Cilla Black, Darren Day, Jessie Wallace and Peter Andre have all settled their claims against the newspaper group, which produces titles including the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and Sunday People.
26 March 2013
Study Finds No Link Between TV And Bad Behaviour
A study of some 11,000 primary school pupils has found that there is no link between watching hours of TV or playing video games, and bad behaviour. The Medical Research Council (MRC) team who carried out the study says it is wrong to link bad behaviour to TV viewing.
Study Finds No Link Between TV And Bad Behaviour
A study of some 11,000 primary school pupils has found that there is no link between watching hours of TV or playing video games, and bad behaviour. The Medical Research Council (MRC) team who carried out the study says it is wrong to link bad behaviour to TV viewing.
10 December 2012
Call For Inquiry Into 1984 Miners Arrests
Two Labour politicians have called for an independent review into the convictions of 500 men during the miners’ strike in 1984. Labour MSP Neil Findlay and MP David Hamilton have urged Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to launch the review.
Call For Inquiry Into 1984 Miners Arrests
Two Labour politicians have called for an independent review into the convictions of 500 men during the miners’ strike in 1984. Labour MSP Neil Findlay and MP David Hamilton have urged Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to launch the review.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
