Members should note that the National Yacht Club has formalised a reciprocal rights agreement with the Yacht Club of Greece https://ycg.gr/en/home-en/. This new arrangement follows a recent meeting and burgee exchange with Stratis Andreadis of YCG Committee and deepens the strong ties between our clubs, allowing members to enjoy access to each clubâs facilities, participate in sporting and social events, and purchase distinctive club insignia
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The end is looming in sight with the Prototype leaders expected to finish late Friday / early Saturday morning For the rest of the fleet with 1/2 seeing the miles turn to under 1000 nm tactics will be foremost on their minds.
While the prevailing wind direction is generally favourable to get to St Francis there are still variations in pressure and wind speed which each skipper must work out to determine their own strategy and tactics.
This is most evident in a pack of 6 boats which Mark OâConnor is part of. Over the past 36 hours Mark has been both leading and at the back of this pack (position 18) and all points in between. Currently he is ranked 24th at the back having taken an early decision to turn south to reach a more favourable wind stream. At time of writing the boats ahead could be considered to have consolidated their position ahead with Mark trailing 18th place by 25 miles. However with at least another 4 days to get to the finish there is plenty of time for lots of changes in the leader board. Mark has a clean passage of good pressure and winds in his path while the boats at 18th - 21st place ae facing into a soft patch in the near term. plenty to play for.
Just to remind you all skippers have very limited real time information on board. While we can log into our favourite weather source and get excellent visuals for up to a week ahead, The Mini skippers however have no such luxury and rely solely on a broadcast by the race organisation daily, in French. giving the weather situation, the 48-hour forecast and the distance to the finish for each competitor. From this each Skipper must work out where the variations in pressure and wind speed is in relation to their current position and from that work out how best to use to advantage.
They can use a VHF to communicate with the boats close to them but this has a limited range of approx. 15 miles.
At current rate of speed and forecast weather conditions we would expect Mark to finish sometime on Monday.
The other Irish Interest Grainne Costigan is approx. 140 miles behind Mark in 48 place. However it is important to remember that this is not strictly a race but more a test of personal endurance and skill to navigate a tiny vessel across the Atlantic. All who achieve that are winners and worthy of every accolade and celebration !
Life on board
The air is warm, the water is warm, and the fast downwind surfs under spinnaker are back. But after 15 days at sea, the heat and salty humidity are making life on board increasingly challenging. To find a bit of comfort in these conditions, Mark brought along a small fan. According to past experience, it can become essential for getting any sleep in this sticky atmosphere.
Hereâs a quick look at some of the must-haves aboard Markâs boat!
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Sean Doyle.
Storm Gabriele, currently approaching the Portuguese coast, is proving to be particularly violent. Classified as Category 4, it ranks among the most powerful hurricanes of the year. With gusts reaching 60 knots and waves between six and eight meters, this weather system is comparable to Storm Ciaran, which swept across France two years ago.
Given these conditions, the Race Committee, in agreement with the event organizer, has decided to cancel the first leg. Gabriele is expected to hit the area as early as Saturday, allowing competitors still at sea to seek shelter under safer conditions.
Emmanuel Versace, organiser of La BoulangĂšre Mini Transat, explains this decision:
"The weather situation is very clear, and the storm promises to be devastating. Our priority is the safety of the competitors as well as the support boats. By warning them today, they have time to take shelter in good conditions. We are working with the ports on site so that they can best accommodate them. »
Boats are currently heading to the Spanish and Portuguese coasts seeking shelter
Race management have made contact with Mark and he intends to dock in Cascais -this is approx 190nm from Marks current position he is currently making 3 kts so a long slog.
We will be keeping watch and will update later
Grainne Corrigan is further north and more likely heading to Porto not confirmed as yet
Stage 2 set to start on schedule October 25th Santa Cruz de La Palma â Saint-François (Guadeloupe)
Our sailors have reached Puerto Sherry after completing Leg 1 of the Clipper Round the World race.
Having battled force 8 winds, 6 metre waves and some of the worst conditions for race 1 in Clipper history,
Damiens Team Power of Seattle claimed 3rd place and sit 2nd overall, while Brian and Team Tongyeong sit in 6th.
Some well earned Rest in Puerto Sherry before the set off on Sunday on Leg 2, The South Atlantic Challenge, 5,300nm to Punta Del Este, Uruguay.
Wishing our sailors fair winds and safe passage.
Find your race tracker and follow the teams at www.clipperroundtheworld.com
This month, National Yacht Club members are making waves on the global stage. From the Clipper Round the World Race to the Mini Transat and La Solitaire du Figaro, our sailors are proudly representing the club.
Damian Payne (@teampowerofseattlesports ) and Brian Uniacke (@team.tongyeong.clipperrace ) have set sail on the first leg of the Clipper Round the World Race.
This Sunday, Tom Dolan (@tomdolanskipper ) begins his defence of the La Solitaire du Figaro title.
Later this month, Mark OâConnor (@marksmini650 ) will embark on his solo Mini Transat adventure.
Everyone at the National Yacht Club wishes them fair winds, safe passage, and every success.
Please give them a follow and show your support as they take on these incredible challenges!
Our Cruising Group will set sail 13th - 15th September; âWherever the wind takes usâ long weekend cruise.
Due to the unpredictable winds we have been getting over the last couple of seasons, we are suggesting a final cruise of the season without actually specifying a destination.
We will simply look at the forecast a few days beforehand and agree a favourable destination.
Please complete the âExpression of Interestâ if you wish to join us.