Chris is almost done. As of the last check-in, only 7 miles to go. The other amazing part is that he is neck and neck with one other competitor on a Kirby 23. Why would he be so close after 2000+ miles of open ocean racing? Seamanship.
From the log book:
"In order for Hesperus to continue towards the finish line, he has strapped the no.4 jib on centerline and is now towing a drogue and/or warps - the trailing load is allowing the stern to orient towards the wind, and it is simply windage that is generating Hesperus' speed towards the finish.
For his part, Chris has standing by Hesperus through the evening, and Chris has dropped all sail to slow down enough to remain in the vicinity of Hesperus. It turns out that the windage on caroll e is pushing Chris past Hesperus, therefore caroll e is gybing back and forth to remain nearby Hesperus through the evening.
It is unfortunate that Hesperus' emergency rudder is not working as intended, but it is a good thing that he is making miles good towards the finish and that carroll e is in position to stand by."
I can't think of a more memorable and impressive way to finish a race. I stop short of calling it heroic, but Chris is doing something that puts himself in position to do something heroic if need be (and hopefully it will not need to be).
Way to go Chris!
2 comments:
I've noticed that sailors are generally ready to come to the aid of other sailors, even if it would cost them a race. I applaud what Chris has done.
Nice to have someone watch your back! Life is more important than a race. Good show Chris!
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