Global Challenge 2004-2005 on BP Explorer

Dubbed 'the world's toughest yacht race' Global Challenge 2004-2005 goes the 'wrong way' around the world against the prevailing winds and currents. The race started on Sunday 3rd October from Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth (UK) and covered 30,000 miles to Buenos Aires, Argentina; Wellington, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; Cape Town, South Africa; Boston, USA, La Rochelle France and back to Portsmouth in July 2005. These are the daily logs of BP Exporer.

Sunday, February 13, 2005

Leg 3 Day 7 : Sydney Harbour - just after crossing the finish line

At the end the tension was unbearable! During the night, despite a storming run and a top speed of 16.4 knots, we were hammered by over three knots of current and lost valuable miles to the three yachts in front, as well as to Pindar, who were hot on our heels. We awoke to the news that the fight was now on, not to chase third place, but to protect fourth. 

Sadly, it seems that Graham's (Pindar) enthusiasm to get to the church before Laura (BP Explorer) on Friday gave them an extra push! After sailing on the very edge all morning with the flanker up we were just a few hundred metres from Pindar as we approached the line with Sydney Opera House to port.

Sydney Harbour Bridge hoved into view and we clean ran out of time, being pipped to the post by minutes! Well done to Pindar - a battle well won - and a wonderful story for Graham and Laura to tell their children! Bring on the beer! 

Naomi Cudmore


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