1,805 Nautical Miles
28 Teams
200 Sailors
The Sevenstar Round Britain & Ireland Race 2018 is underway, with the front of the fleet skirting the west coast of Ireland as we speak on Wednesday lunchtime.
We’re tracking the progress of Boatafloat director Richard, sailing Pata Negra, the 46ft performance race yacht that we also have listed for charter on boatafloat.com. You can follow his progress, and the rest of the fleet, here.
Established in 1995 by the RORC and taking place ever four years, the race is one of the toughest in the yachting world. Depending on conditions, sailors are racing non-stop for ten to twelve days from the start and finish point in Cowes.
The last race in 2014 set five new world records after an area of low pressure caught the boats on the downwind.
This year’s conditions are also predicted to become increasingly challenging, with strong winds and unpredictable gusts creating opportunities for dynamic position changes within the fleet.
RORC posted this update from Pata Negra‘s Chris Hanson – sent from the boat as they rounded the Fastnet Lighthouse:
“Things are pretty good on board now, we have been bounding around the Celtic Sea in a rather nasty chop and we have now cracked sheets at long last. It is so nice! Boat speed is up but we just found the chain locker and bow full of water, so there has been a big pumping job going on. Hopefully now the bow is on the rise.”
Onboard they’ve been reaching speeds of over 12 knots, and we’ll be watching closely as the wind strength is only set to increase as the boats head North.
“Looking at the weather ahead with gale force winds forecast for the top of Scotland, good seamanship will be a big part of this race” commented Wouter Verbaak from sponsors of the event, Sevenstar Yacht Transport.
We’re wishing Pata Negra and all the boats the best of luck and look forward to following their progress through this week and next…
#boatafloat #yachtcharter #boathire #yachtracing #cowes #rbi