The tactical minefield continues

On day six of leg two the tactical minefield continued for CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand as they worked their way out of the weather trough that has ensnared the Volvo fleet for over 72 hours and attempted to cross the South Indian High as quickly as possible and get into the more consistent trade winds further north.

The hugely complicated weather picture has seen the fleet essentially pursue three different tactical approaches to get up the Indian Ocean in the strongest shape with CAMPER followed by Puma, Telefonica and Abu Dhabi choosing to push east to get the best conditions, while Groupama has headed far south in an effort to avoid the high pressure system, and Sanya has elected to take a risky northerly route that takes them close into Madagascar.

CAMPER after holding the lead for the last 24 hours is currently in second place sitting just 3.2 miles behind race leader Sanya.

With such different tactical approaches being taken across the fleet all teams are still waiting to see what route will work out best in minimising the effects of the South Indian High and delivering trade wind conditions the earliest.

CAMPER Skipper Chris Nicholson says that fluid weather situation is extremely challenging.

“Right now we seem to be in pretty good shape but at this point in time any one of the boats could strike it lucky and accelerate away from the rest of the fleet.

“The reality is that the weather picture is so changeable that all of us are taking a bit of a gamble. It’s just too early to say who that gamble is going to pay off for and who it isn’t.

“However, we’re comfortable with where we are at the moment and looking at the other guys I wouldn’t want to swap with any of them. The next 24 hours will be key though and after that we should get a better idea of who has picked it right and who hasn’t.”

CAMPER in the latest position report at 1400h 18 December NZT is averaging 11.7 knots in a 11.5 knot south westerly.