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Transat ocean sailors have tech
14:26 p.m. EST Mar 29, 2004
The Transat race begins May 31st 2004 and the competitors are all geared up and ready to go with some new boats, new hopes, and a few tricks up their sleeves. With unpredictable Atlantic weather systems, the opposing currents of the Gulf Stream and fog to contend with, it's no wonder The Transat is such a popular challenge amongst the sailing circuit. Choosing the right course will win or lose this race and now the all of teams have weather information on their sides.
Competitors in The Transat are this week continuing to get their boats ready for sea while those further advanced are setting out on their 1000 mile single-handed qualification passages.
When technology met ocean sailing
During 1968 Transat race the north Atlantic was swept by a massive depression bringing with it 60 knot, storm force winds. Many competitors hoved to, dropping all but a storm jib to sit out the terrible conditions. Only one competitor made a significant gain by taking advantage of the rules which had not outlawed weather routing - at that time, it was not considered a viability for solo skippers. At a time before satellite communications, on board internet access and web-based weather sites, Geoffrey Williams on board Sir Thomas Lipton was the first in the race ever to use weather routing.
Via a hefty high frequency radio Williams would communicate with meteorologists in London who were running weather models using a very early computer and who would provide him with forecasts. Warned of the storm Williams sailed north missing the brunt of it and gained an estimated 300 miles over his competitors in the progress. Williams went on to win the race despite some controversy at the end when he sailed the wrong course. Weather routing was banned from subsequent races, but this year the ORMA board who governs the 60ft multihulls has agreed to allow weather routing.
Image of Transat route courtesy of theTransat.com
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