Archive for December, 2009

CYCLONE LEGACY FOR ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART START

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Synoptic Weather chart for Sat 26th The low pressure system remnant of a tropical cyclone crossing the continent is setting up a tricky wind pattern for the Rolex Sydney Hobart race, for its Boxing Day start. While the scenario is still changing, pockets of light breeze to be negotiated between two major wind systems look to have removed the prospects of a record-breaking run by one of the hi-tech collection of maxi yachts in the fleet. Barry Hanstrum, senior forecaster for the NSW Bureau of Meteorology, predicts that the fleet of 100 boats will probably start in a light to moderate southerly, which would mean a spectacular spinnaker start in Sydney Harbour on Saturday, then a beat to windward in 10-20 knots as the fleet reaches the open sea. While the wind would back to the east – northeast offshore, a low pressure trough would create lighter air inshore. A west to southwest change on Sunday night in the Bass Strait of 20-30 knots would continue into Monday, December 28.

Christmas Eve and still the weather Gods are unsure

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

By now the hard work is normally done and Christmas Day is normally spent tweaking the final tactical strategy. This year, the weather models have really struggled to predict the movement of the ex Tropical Cyclone, Lawrence and therefore each weather run gives a different solution. This race could turn out to be a navigators hell or heaven as there is still a lot of uncertainty. What is certain, is that we start on the 26th December at 1300 and it is likely to be raining! There are two options either staying inshore and beating south in a moderate southerly and favourable current, or heading offshore and taking the scenic route downwind with the north easter.  Maybe Santa will bring some clarity tomorrow. Happy Christmas everyone.

Conrad

Rolex Sydney Hobart 2009 Countdown

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

Rolex Sydney Hobart 2009It’s that time of year again….nice sat watching the BA ground staff de-icing the planes wings knowing that in 20 hours or so, I’d be back in the Sydney sun for the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race 2009.  Really strong fleet this year, with the biggest number of maxis and 100 footers ever to take the start.  TP52 winner, Quest is back to defend her title and Rolex Fastnet winner, Ran, owned by Skype founder Niklas Zennström will also be out to win back to back events. Weather models still a little unsettled for a prediction of this year’s conditions, but early forecasts suggest a SSE 15kts at the start, backing around to the NNE later on Boxing Day. Nothing blistering, but still early days.

Conrad, Ichi Ban