As expected, the field had bunched up as they rounded the western tip of England, with the first 20 yachts practically two miles apart around Lands End. Almost the entire field parked up there temporarily in the calm. The crew of "Think Big, Think Social" was still in third place, but in the doldrums they caught the wind further north a little later and lost ground on the leading "Alla Grande Pirelli" of the Italian Ambrogio Beccaria and his French co-skipper Kevin Bloch. In the meantime, however, Burke and Fink have worked their way back up from 13th place to 11th. In around an hour they should round the Tuskar Rock mark off Ireland before heading downwind around the legendary Fastnet Rock lighthouse. The field will then set course back to Normandy.
For the two young Class 40 rookies, a place in the top 10 would certainly be a huge success, which would also simplify the search for a major title sponsor, which the duo still need. Although this year's season is secured with the highlight of the double-handed transatlantic race Transat Jacques Vabre, a partner is needed for the long-term development of the boat and the team. As the Class 40 is one of the most competitive classes in the world, a good position in the Normandy Channel Race would be a very strong performance.
The race tracker from the organiser is updated every 15 minutes, go to the tracker here.
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Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
