Captain's Log

October 3, 2002

Hello all,
 
Firstly congratulations to Derek Hatfied of Spirit of Canada and Tim Kent of Everest Horizontal. 2nd and 3rd place respectivbely in Class II. Derek's 2nd place in a 40 footer and the way you sailed the race are exceptional performances, I hope everyone grasps what Derek has acomplished. It's big and a credit to his ability and strenght. Tim, from out on your own, truly solo on the route via the Azores, you came rushing back, took 3rd spot from John Dennis of Bayer Acensia ( sorry John ) and gave Derek a big fright I am sure. Well done.
 
Well at the back of the fleet here the weather is beautiful. WSW at 15 kts and sunny skies for a change. Kojiro is approx 120 nm due east of me and we have stayed about that distance apart for 2 days now. But that's not good, I have been trying to catch up, but no luck so far. Not giving up though so keep looking over your shoulder Koji.
 
The Barometric pressure is 1031 and all indications are for a wonderful weekend in Torbay, but will I be there ?? The forecast shows a high centered right on the English Channel on Sunday, which is the day I expect to arrive. Not good. I have a feeling that some time on Sunday I may be dropping an anchor as the tidal flow might try to push me back out and to the west. Luckily I have my tidal tables for the UK along with some detailed charts of the direction of flow, so we shall see if I can use this tide to help me, not hurt.
 
It has been a great first leg, watching it unfold ahead of me !! and just being apart of the whole scene. BUT, watch out for the next leg of the race, because I have still to prove that there is Velocity in my beautiful Open 40, BTC Velocity and I will..........
 
Alan Paris
BTC Velocity