---

A Rough Start

Rob Howard / 25.06.2011

By 15.00 the conditions had not calmed as much as expected and there was still a stiff headwind blowing into the harbour mouth and a very rough sea outside it. The ferry boats were busy getting all the crews on board and there was a good crowd come to see the race off, and luckily the rain had eased so most elected to go out onto the harbour wall where the samba band was playing.

As the clock approached 15.00 one of the crew of Team Whistler could be seen high up the main mast, which must have been a precarious spot in the high winds. When the lifeboat came to lead the boats out of the harbour there was not the usual procession of boats – only two followed them! The rest were still on their moorings 20 minutes later, either because they did not fancy going out too early, or in many cases because they were having extreme difficulty getting off the moorings at all.

Crossing the bar on the way out to the start line was roller coaster ride and come 16.00 the fleet was scattered over a wide area, coping with rough seas and high swells bringing in 3 or 4 metre waves. Only a few made it across the line as the start flare went up and it took a while for the rest to follow, with some badly out of position and clearly struggling in the weather. Danu Technologies were one who had a nightmare start and they were well back in the field. Race Director Meic Ellis commented; “I’d say it was a confused start, but a good one given the conditions!�

Firefly managed to grab an early lead, racing at nearly 9 knots shortly after the start, but as the race unfolded with teams racing towards Bardsey Head they slipped back a little. Team Whistler are currently disputing the lead with Predator as the larger boats make the most of the conditions.

(Check out the photo gallery for some more action photos of the start.)

See All Stories On This Race