Newport/Bermuda Race - interesting conditions coming up today

General
1

I’m watching the race from the comforts of home and packing to head down Tuesday to help on Touch of Grey for her return trip to CT.

Big boats like Black Jack 100 ( sailed 347 in 20 hours) and Space Monkey are at the halfway mark in under 24 hours.

Touch of Grey is pacing for a 200+ mile day.

There is a scenario unfolding regarding currents, the fleet is heading west of the rhumb line.

( HERE ) is an interactive map showing current.

( HERE ) is the tracker app for the race. Note the fleet is hunting for the best place to cross the gulf stream which to my eye is where it bends to the southeast. This year the bend isn’t that far from the rhumb line so they don’t have to sail far for favorable current.

If you don’t already have a favorite in the race, cheer for Touch of Grey. She’s in SDL6 and currently in 3rd place with a long way to go.

Sail On,
Rob…

2

What are the details on Touch of Gray ?

Design / specs , etc.

3

She’s a J121, still class legal. I’m not sure if they are rated for using their water ballast in this race… they have 10 crew down and 6 back.

So far it’s been a mostly beam reach, she spent most of this morning screaming at 12 knots…

A little too much excitement for me… I prefer the returns.

I think the boat will beat me to Bermuda.