Saturday 09.05.2009 11.30 hrs
Position : LAT 28 07 59 N
LONG 15 25 56 W
Weather: Sunny, wind F4 W
Distance travelled 1684 nautical miles
Secured alongside Marina De Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Brief summary:
Friday 08.05.09
After an exciting first 700 miles of The Race with wind from F4 to F7, the wind dropped,as predicted, to F1-3 for 24 hours of very challenging light wind sailing before picking up to F4 for the last 9 hours of The Race, during which time an enthralling battle emerged for Line Honours (ie the 1st boat over the line).
After enduring several breakages including 2 snapped spinnaker guys, 1 spinnaker pole uphaul, main and mizzen kicking straps and the cruising chute tack block, we were charging towards the finishing line at 9 to 10 knots in glorious sunshine with the whole crew on the weather rail, as well as all moveable gear moved to starboard approximately 3 nm behind the German boat Peter Von Danzig after 880 nm of racing with full main, mizzen and spinnaker when the spinnaker pole end- fitting exploded.
We had room to bear away and still lay the leeward end of the line and so kept the spinnaker filling. The wind headed and Peter Von Danzig was to leeward of us and struggling to lay the line. Rona II raced over the line and although subject to confirmation took Line Honours over Peter Von Danzig who, according to our radar tracking, failed to finish.
The next boat in the fleet we think was Urania possibly 50 to 60 nm behind.
After the handicapping Time Correction Factor, it appears that Rona II was 1st in class by a long distance.
Yellow shirt award-whole crew votes everyday for crew member doing the most memorable thing that day, good or bad! Shirt remains unwashed for the whole trip.
Yellow shirt had done its purpose and was proudly hoisted on the port cross trees after the finish.
Best wishes
Skipper, Rona II
