Rolex Fastnet 2013 Race

[Angele]

'Duet' pulling 6.5kts now. Quite a contrast from 0.8kts last night.

17:30 position info gives 7.1 kts. They are really into a groove.

 

[Fire99]

17:30 position info gives 7.1 kts. They are really into a groove.

Are you sure they're pulling bits of string now or is it an outboard pull-chord?

 

[Woodlouse]

If they pull their collective finger out then they should be finished in about three days. The last two days must have been a real test, especially as they would have been able to actually see the multihulls finishing.

 

[lenseman]

"DUET" is a fine vessel, 100 years old. I was onboard her whilst she was berthed outboard of the Lady Galadriel and her crew, all friends of mine are a determined bunch.

At one point last evening, "DUET" was nearer France than the British Isles with large ships passing ahead and astern and to port and starboard of her whilst she languished, making less than a knot!



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[Fire99]

At one point last evening, "DUET" was nearer France than the British Isles with large ships passing ahead and astern and to port and starboard of her whilst she languished, making less than a knot!

.

I saw that on the fleet tracker.. Will be interesting to hear their stories on their return

 

[Moonshining]

I saw that on the fleet tracker.. Will be interesting to hear their stories on their return

It looks like jellyellie, occasional denizen of this parish, is crewing, so we might get the story from her.

http://www.onboardonline.com/features/rolex-fastnet-2013-on-a-101-year-old-gaff-yawl/

 

[Blueboatman]

Looks like Duet got a bit of a wiggle on through the night. heading for the rock and making just shy of 7kn over the ground..

Once they can ease the sheets, break out the Beatles and its 'We're on our way home...''

 

[Fire99]

Looks like Duet got a bit of a wiggle on through the night. heading for the rock and making just shy of 7kn over the ground..

Once they can ease the sheets, break out the Beatles and its 'We're on our way home...''

I've become a little addicted to following 'Duet'. As you say, they're very close to the Rock now. Will be good to see them sailing in the opposite direction and on their return leg.

 

[Angele]

I've become a little addicted to following 'Duet'. As you say, they're very close to the Rock now. Will be good to see them sailing in the opposite direction and on their return leg.

Me too. Compelling viewing, isn't it?

 

[npf1]

Looks like light wind is going to present them another challenge when they get to around the Scillys or Lands End, giving them another frustrating leg - but hopefully there'll be enough to keep moving and not resort to the iron topsail. My guess would be a finish sometime Sat afternoon if that forecast holds. Glad I'm not on board!

 

[Giblets]

I expect the current SW F5-6 is helping her tonk on at the moment. She probably needs half a gale to get her going which may account for her earlier "diversion"!

 

[lenseman]

I've become a little addicted to following 'Duet'. As you say, they're very close to the Rock now. Will be good to see them sailing in the opposite direction and on their return leg.

After the Fastnet Light, they have to turn south west for a further 8 nm to the Pantænius Buoy before they can start the run for home.



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[Angele]

After the Fastnet Light, they have to turn south west for a further 8 nm to the Pantænius Buoy before they can start the run for home.

Which is therefore another beat for them....

 

[lenseman]

Which is therefore another beat for them....

Sadly, right on the nose.

SW is 225° and currently the wind at the Fastnet Rock is 219° at just over 21 knots.

A very wet passage.



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[John_Silver]

On the water, just north, in Bantry Bay, it feels more like 25 knots, definitely out of the SW, and definitely very wet. Glad to be at anchor!

 

[Keen_Ed]

They're going to be growing mushrooms in a boat like that.

 

[Angele]

Position info @ 15:10 BST has Duet at 9 deg 38.5W. According to Wikipedia, Fastnet Rock is at 9 deg 36W, so they have passed the rock. Unfortunately, they are having to continue further westwards (current heading 272 deg) in order to lay the next mark (Pantaenius Buoy @ 9 deg 41W). The beat to windward has started.

The forecast for sea area Fastnet (issued at 10:30 UTC) is for a veer to west or north west, so I hope they don't continue too far beyond only to find it was unnecessary when the wind shifts.

 

[lenseman]

They have turned to the south, now on starboard tack at 1505 UTC.



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[lenseman]

1700 UTC . . . "DUET" and now the final push to clear round the Pantænius Buoy, leaving it to port.



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[Blueboatman]

Yay


T'was on the good ship Duet,
My, the crew showed how to do it.
When push came to beats
And longed to ease sheets,
Tis a grand old tail, all through it