Position: 2100 LT, 54°57 N, 006°23 E
Date:Sunday August 15, 2010
Date:Sunday August 15, 2010
Gambling
It will be an exciting North Sea Tall Ship’s Regatta, as this race is called. We need to finish within 120 hours after the start, covering as many miles as possible via predetermined way point. The lottery aspect, so to speak, was evident during the last 24 hours. This morning we placed our bets wrong. Mislead by promising but incorrect weather chards we sailed quite far from the way points that on second thoughts appear to be doable. To reach the finish line without penalty miles we need to sail through the night with an average of ten knots. So far so good, but can we maintain this speed?
This racing concept is new for Tall Ship’s so question are asked over the ship’s radio by participating vessels. Based on the number of drop outs, the concept might be improved for the future. It is not fair to burden the concept with unbridled criticism, but yours truly believes it might be an improvement to minimize the lottery aspect of it. Nevertheless it is a nice race thus far, but I may change my mind after the awards ceremony…
Richard SlootwegCaptain Clipper Stad Amsterdam
