PUMA's Thrills and Spills

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Blog_feb1

Amory explains PUMA's break for the fleet.

I bet you’re wondering what we’re up to? I bet you’re asking yourself, “Why are they doing what they’re doing? Why are they going where they’re going?” The short answer is we’re doing what we seem to do best so far this race: provide a constant supply of thrills and spills.

We’re taking a chance. A big chance. We’re splitting from the leaders – only 10 miles ahead at the time – and sailing east in an entirely different direction. The important thing to stress is that this decision was made because we think it’s doing what is right based on the weather information we have, not because we’re getting desperate or trying to get away from the fleet. In simple terms, if we were out here sailing by ourselves we would go the way we now are. What we risk of course is losing touch, and that’s a worrying prospect. We don’t sleep much as it is, but you can be sure that decent dozes will be hard to find over the next few days while we all scrutinize the scheds.

Like any decision of this magnitude, there are going to be pros and cons. Other than turning our back to the fleet, the biggest argument against our new course is that we’ll likely sail quite a few more miles. But in the eyes of the leadership, the fair current, better winds and far fewer tacks we’ll need to get around Vietnam more than pay for those extra miles. Jono was saying that in the stretch of water we now avoid, he did 38 tacks in one night during the last race. That isn’t fast.

So we’ll all watch with wonder. You, us, the five other boats out here, everyone will be waiting. Thrills and spills, right?

- Amory

 

Amory Ross

Media Crew Member

PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG
 

Sailing

Comments

Add Your Voice 5

Juergen Hellwig

From Cologne, Germany
I hope you have the right weather informations and cross my fingers. Go Puma....
Feb 1 2012

Scott Bartelt

From Orlando, FL USA
Enjoying following you guys since you left Alicante. I applaud your bold move and hoping it pays off!
Feb 1 2012

KJD

From Portland OR
Great Move PUMA! We all are encouraging "Huey" a few ticks to the right!
Feb 1 2012

Thorsten

From Berlin
You were forced to split regarding the overall standing. If the fleet faced 30 knots or more it would pay off - but they don't. Avoiding current and fisher nets is on your record. Boat will have to deal with upwind and heavy sea as well. At least you won't lose much, maybe 20 miles.
Feb 1 2012

Martin

From Brookline, MA
No matter how it turns out, kudos for taking a big chance and following your own star. This is ocean racing at its best. At least you're keeping it interesting for your fans and competitors alike!
Feb 1 2012