Thursday, September 02, 2010
My thoughts this morning that we hadn’t to get too excited that Visit Malta Puma had closed the gap significantly on Cheeki Rafiki has fallen on deaf ears, as they actually have!! Puma is now just 12.5 miles behind them and gaining every hour – absolutely fantastic. Philippe’s tactic of staying inshore and sailing the shortest route rather than going offshore and trying to get more breeze has certainly worked, well done that boy!! We know they have been trimming hard and working out the optimum angles so they know when they should tack or stand on. Tactics across the Irish Sea certainly will play a huge part in the final standings, as it can still be all won, or lost, out there.
Playing Around Logic has decided to head further south than Encore and British Soldier and at the moment although they have not gained any mileage by doing this, they may tactically have gained a huge advantage, it is all down to what the weather does now. Has Peter managed to find some data that makes him think he will be better off where he is, or has he decided to try and do something different and take a risk? Well, we shall find out tomorrow….keep everything crossed!
British Soldier has gained some 6 miles on Encore today which is not good news, as we need Encore to stay ahead of them, but we also know that Playing Around Logic are still in the hunt and will not give up yet, and have British Soldier as a target they want to get. We also know Encore have been sailing fantastically well, so we are counting on them to continue. For Puma to win the RORC Annual points championships overall in class, British Soldier can only beat them if they finish at least 3 places above them on this race. If Playing Around can get ahead of them on handicap again, then Puma is fine, if not, then Puma have to overhaul Cheeki…..it is sooo exciting I can hardly now watch the tracker every hour, as it is changing so much. I actually think it is more stressful watching from the computer than it is actually out there sailing!
Keep the message coming in!!
Dinner tonight on the yachts is Sweet and Sour chicken on Playing Around and Lamb Hotpot and mash on Puma……yum yum!
