at Global Solo Challenge
Beating in 50-60 knots of wind in the Indian Ocean on a Class40
Sailing upwind is the least appreciated point of sail by sailors.
We find ourselves heeled and slamming on the waves. When a storm rages we just wish it would end soon. Those who suffer from seasickness are often with a bucket within reach.
But let’s look at what happens with respect to the configuration of our sails on board as the wind increases. We will review the various sail configurations and sails changes as the wind increases.
In very light winds we have to do our best to get the boat moving and generate some apparent wind. On IRC / ORC boats a true Code Zero would count as a headsail and not as a spinnaker, penalizing the rating.
For this reason the Code Zero itself is typical of oceanic classes such as the Mini 650s, Class40s and Imocas where the restriction is on the number and material of the sails but not on their shape (as well as in the Global Solo Challenge).
The videos are taken onboard an Akilaria RC1 Class40.
Global Solo Challenge: a unique format
The format is unlike any other round the world solo sailing event and will make it fair and exciting for the Skippers as well as easy and engaging for the public and sponsors to follow:
A wide range of boats can enter – 32 to 55 foot.
Boats will be grouped by performance characteristics and set off in successive departures over 8 weeks.
Once at sea, there are no classes. All boats will be sailing the same event. The faster boats will have to try to catch up with the slower boats, the pursuit factor creating competitive interest aboard and a fascinating event for the public and sponsors.
The first boat to cross the finish line wins. The performance differential between the boats is taken into account in staggering the departures, eliminating the need to calculate corrected times.
All entries will have a chance of winning – dramatic from beginning to end
It will feel quite daunting and emotional to be among the first skippers to set off. Equally it will be nerve wracking for those with a long wait before their departure.
The last skippers to set off will have to keep cool waiting for their turn to start the chase.
The faster boats will need to sail fast and well to make up for the head start given to the slower groups.
It will be the ultimate enactment of the tale of the tortoise and the hare, with steady cruisers being chased by performance thirsty skippers on faster boats.
Who will cross the line first?