GOLD COAST 200600ZJUL12 SKED – DENHELDER-SOUTHHAMPTON

Posted byRichard HewsonPosted inUncategorized

LAT 51 54.7N
LON 002 16.6W
DTF 140nm
ETA 0001 21 JUL 12
SOG 8
COG 210

WEATHER WIND 066@12kts, Sea Slt, Swell Confuesd, Sky 5/8 Clst, Baro 1016

After a magnificent start from Denhelder Gold Coast Australia lead the fleet out of the harbour and into the north sea. The fleet soon split into two halves, three yachts including us going north, and the rest south.

By early evening the fleet had re-converged and Gold Coast Australia remained in the lead and were sailing well. As we neared the Traffic separation scheme the wind began to drop off, and the yachts behind caught up and overtook us to the north.

What was to follow was a number of hours of what must look like synchronised sailing on the yacht tracker with yachts tacking north and south against the tide, trapped between poor winds and a traffic separation scheme.

Finally Visit Finland caught up and overtook the fleet, brining with them the wind, and we were off and racing again. Gold Coast Australia has managed to increase our position to fourth place throughout the morning, but the light airs and strong tides makes difficult planning for navigation and tactics.

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Published by Richard Hewson

Richard Hewson is a Tasmania-based ships captain, marine surveyor, and experienced sailor with a lifelong connection to the sea. With experience in project management and vessel commissioning, he has operated and raced a wide range of vessels—from dinghies and Maxi yachts to tankers, icebreakers and research vessels. Richard has competed in major offshore events including the Sydney to Hobart, Fastnet, Middle Sea, and Transatlantic races including the Mini Transat. In 2012, he skippered the winning yacht in the Clipper Round the World Race. He has sailed to every continent and explored all corners of the world from Antarctica to south pacific atols and recently completed a three-year family voyage from the Netherlands to Tasmania. Richard holds a Master Class 1 (unrestricted), RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, Engineering (1200kw) and commercial diving certifications, and is an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor. He is also affiliated with the Australasian Institutes of Marine Surveyors and is passionate about all things that float.

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