BT Global - La Rochelle to Portsmouth

[AIDY]

The start of the BT Global Challenge is next week on the 13th from La Rochelle to Portsmouth. I will not be around in the Solent next weekend to see them come in though the needles. But intend to be sailing somewhere around the Brest area. I would like to see them and if practical in day light hours like to be out on the water to take a few snaps.

There is no exact timings. Obviously depends on wind Speed Direction. But what do the panel think on timings for these boats to be in the area. I have No experience of the distance / time it would take to come up the coast of Brittany. And are they more likely to be offshore or inshore.

Any Help would be most helpful.

 

[EBunting]

The word from Andrew Roberts, Challenge Business project director, is:

‘The fleet will leave a waypoint (at 48 deg 28'N 06 deg 00' W) to starboard, which is 35 miles west of Ushant. That waypoint is 244 miles from La Rochelle which means that they should pass it on the 14th July at:

7 knots - 22:00 gmt
8 knots - 17:30 gmt
9 knots - 14:00 gmt
10 knots- 11:30 gmt

At this stage its difficult to guess which speed, but during the last Global Challenge the first yacht had averaged about 7.5 knots to Ushant in light conditions. Without having sight of weather predictions I would guess that they will average between 7 and 9 knots.

The Ushant waypoint is at that position to remove a possible tidal gate and keep the yachts west of the Ushant Traffic Seperation Scheme.’

Regarding arrival in Portsmouth, the boats are expected to cross the finish line off Portsmouth from midday onwards on Saturday 16th July.

For anyone who can’t get out on the water, there will be a good view from Southsea Castle and a giant screen at Gunwharf Quay with live commentary throughout the day.

I hope this helps. Good luck. Hope you see them!

Elaine, Yachting World

 

[AIDY]

Elaine, Many thanks for your reply. Lots off good information to go on.

Thanks