At two days and about 4 hours into the race with the big multis safely tucked up in Cherbourg Harbour the interest switches to the monohulls
I am pretty sure, for the first time ever the first two boats on the current IRC leaderboard are from Poland. And what’s more, they are both former Volvo Ocean Race Boats.
In top spot with a 5 and ½ hour handicap lead is ‘I Love Poland’ the VO70 skippered by Gregorz Barabowski. In second spot just 20 miles behind on the water is Sailing Poland, a VOR65 skippered by Bouwe Bekking who is, of course, more than a little familiar with this type of boat. Who could forget the incredible drone footage of Brunel sending it in the Southern Ocean?
These two have displaced Skorpios from the top spot although her line honors victory is all by sealed with just 60 odd miles to Cherbourg and tramping along at 15+ knots with a VMG of 12kts – 5 hours to the finish if the wind holds. The early challenge of Apiva has faded with her now 70 miles behind the brand new super-maxi. On handicap the big Swan is only a little over an hour and a half behind second place.
With the wind easing and expected to ease further it may be touch and go if the two Polish boats can maintain their speed and grab the prize.
In 4th on handicap is, provisionally, George David’s Rambler 88. Say provisionally as, although the Rolex Fastnet Sailing Instructions clearly start the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) to the South East of The Rock should be left to port, on the tracker she appeared to almost gybe round the rock and left the TSS to starboard.
If this is the case it is a very big Oops for the American boat and most uncharacteristic of the ‘brain’ Trust on board. I am almost certain that will be a question asked of them when they reach the finish. Track them here.