Out of the doldrums and around Fernando

Emirates Team New Zealand Media Update: Out of the doldrums and around Fernando

18 November 2011

On day thirteen of leg one CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand has passed the half-way point of leg one and having crossed the Equator and rounded Fernando de Noronha is well and truly out of the doldrums and into the South Atlantic.

CAMPER remains in third place doggedly pursuing the race leaders and has made a small gain over the last 24 hours to trail by 139 miles.

Now that Fernando has been rounded the focus shifts to making the most of the developing south east trade winds and navigating the best pathway through the St Helena High that sits between the fleet and the finishing line.

Skipper Chris Nicholson says that this stage of the leg should offer opportunities to make ground on the leaders.

“We’ve stayed in touch with the two front boats and if we can do a good job of getting through the high pressure system and finding some decent breeze then there’s the potential to pull in some miles.

“Having said that the weather models right now are showing a pretty even picture for the entire fleet without to many obvious passing lanes, but we will keep on hunting hard and take every little opportunity that presents itself.”

CAMPER in the latest position report at 1500h 18 November NZT is south of Fernando de Noronha averaging 14.3 knots in a 13 knot easterly.

ENDS

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