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A Close but Slow Start

Rob Howard / 20.06.2009

All of the entries made it out to the start line in good time, including Maracuja, who were without an engine and were towed out, and RAF Leuchars. The RAF team had arriveda couple of hours before the start and made a fast turn-around, changing some crew, loading supplies and quickly setting off again. But they will have a time penalty of 10 hours 52 mintues from the start.

What's more they will be setting off in a wet boat and with soem of the crew unrested. One of those who sailed in today, having set off at 5am, has to run across Snowdon in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

After the Barmouth Lifeboat lead the procession out across the bar to the start line the fleet got their sails up and prepared for the start. It was the busiest start ever and all but one yacht were approaching the start buoy together, so it was going to be congested. The one boat out on its own was Team Last Inn, but heir individual tactics didn't pay off as they crossed the line early and will a one hour penalty. (There are two committee members on board.)

AS the fleet moved slowly off it was the expected favourites who had made the best starts, EADS Innovation Works, Hazard Chase and Journeymaker leading the way.

The Pilot Cutter Ezra stood off the start line and then crossed with the bagpipes playing, but they were not last, Draic was bringing up the rear.

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