Day 45, Monday January 18, 1999

© Photo Richard Konkolski

Sailing conditions were getting lighter for all boats. That also meant that everybody had to work much harder to at least maintain some speed. Neal Petersen who took the lead of the rest of the fleet was about 700 miles from Auckland by the end of the day. Earlier he reported: "In less than a mile distance I will be out of the Roaring Forties. This is a relief, but of course, that means less wind. Right now I'm struggling for wind. I am leading Minoru by 10 miles, and just barely hanging on to it. I am less than 850 miles from the finish line, and it is going to be a race to the end. Shuten-dohji 2 is 10 feet longer than I am. Twice today I had a visual on him on the horizon. He is going to be hard work staying ahead of when the winds pick up. I am trying to rest now, so that I can push when we get wind. In the winds under 10 knots from ahead, I can hold him off. Likewise with winds up to 12 knots from astern when I can carry a spinnaker. Right now I have him to windward and astern slightly… I have only one autopilot ram working and it better last to Auckland or else I have to steer in the light stuff."

Neil Petersen © Photo Marek Slodownik

Meantime all boats in Auckland were going through a maintenance process in Viaduct Basin boatyard. Shore teams were very busy as the start date for Leg 3, set on February 6, was coming up fast. The remaining boats still at sea would have tough time getting ready for the next sailing - if they managed to finish in time at all.

Golding's Team Group 4

Team Group 4 was tied in a transportation cradle with her hull ready for wrap-up cover. Her keel was lying along the boat. All was ready for transportation back to France, where the boat was born.

© Photo Richard Konkolski

Positions:

Class 1

Class 2

Copyright © Richard Konkolski
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