In these days where records have hundredths of seconds shaved off them I find it rather awe inspiring that these guys can go out and obliterate the previous record by 25%. Think a new set of sails for my E-Boat and I will have a go myself. Anyone want to volunteer to crew?
Local TV reports that the venture cost upwards of £10 million. The 70 years old billionaire owner (a Cornishman, I believe, but not ME!) did it amongst other things to tell pensioners to get of their butts and DO SOMETHING. Easy for him to say when most 70 year olds are doing all they can just to survive.
I don't wish to detract from this magnificent achievement, though. I was surprised to see that the crew totalled 23, but at that speed they didn't need much in the way of rations.
I suppose not, though I'd guess that, on occasion, when you're running a 140ft full-on racing machine on the limit in 30 knot winds, you could do with a couple of extra pairs of hands from time to time, even when you've got 23 on board............
i was listening to reports of progress on radio cornwall, listeners were watching as she passed the lizard etc. what amused me was that when it was passed on to the news dept. they mistook metres for feet and reported it as 460 feet long. now wouldn't that be something!
The Radio Cornwall reporter also kept repeating that the owner & crew would be landing at the Royal Yacht Club, confusing The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club with the Royal Yacht Squadron (Mari Chu IV was wearing the White Ensign). That was even repeated this morning on the radio after he had been at the RCYC yesterday! Slack reporting?
It was a great shame that she dropped all her vast sail about a mile offshore before entering the harbour.