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Around Alone Report March 19

Thiercelin makes statement

Please consult The Around Alone Report Users Guide for an explanation of this report. 

All is well with the Around Alone fleet.  As Neil Hunter would say, no dramas.

On land in Punta Del Este there is news.   Somehwere's Marc Thiercelin has confirmed that he made errors during the rescue of PRB's Isabelle Autissier by Giovanni Soldini.  In a written statement Thiercelin said: "First, I should have confirmed the situation personally with the ROC before proceeding on to Cape Horn. And, I should have tried to hove-to until the rescue had been accomplished or I had been formally released from my station by Race Operations."   Up until now race officials said they asked Thiercelin for no help.  Race Director Mark Schrader had this to say about Thiercelin's actions: "He was 121 miles away from PRB when the first distress alert was sent to the fleet, although his boat was damaged and weather conditions were difficult, he should have realized the importance of staying in direct communication with the race organization. Marc agreed, and apologized to me and the race for his inappropriate actions."

Hoprefully these statements serve to drive home the point that a fundamental rule of being on the water is that coming to the aid of a fellow mariner is paramount.  This entire incident is proof that as Around Alone sailor Viktor Yazykov says one should, "Be always aware."

Fleet Round Up:

www.no-barriers.com is 601 miles from leg's end.  Reported winds in No Barriers area are North North West @ 20 knots.  Neal Petersen should be enjoying fine forward of the beam sailing.   From onboard Neal comments on silence, "So it is very quiet on board with no music, and it will be a tough leg 4 helming without the CD player."

Next is Shuten Dojhi II.   Shuten lies 876 miles  from the finish.  Shuten is without a full sail inventory and so struggles when the wind is less than a strong breeze.  This is seen as her last reported speed was 3.9 miles.

Paladin 2 comes next 1397 miles   from the finish. Neil has Paladin on course for Cape Horn, "Am currently aimed straight for the Horn and with an offshore breeze I might just go and have a Captain Cook (look) at this piece of real estate that everyone talks about."  Look for a report on his Cape Horn rounding over the weekend. 

From the two boats that were formerly Around Alone entrants we learn that Modern University for the Humanities is near Cape Horn. Fedor Konioukhov says, "If the GOD lets me, I'll be near the Cape Horn this night."

What does it all mean ?

With the exception of Shuten Dojhi's slow progress all is well with the fleet.

Cumulative Standings Table

Last Updated: 15-Feb-05 08:40