Waiting for the tide
What are the odds?
Top billing this month to the Golden Globe racers as we dig into the tips and tricks employed by the fleet of skippers to turn their production long-keel cruisers into non-stop round the world racing yachts (page 28). PBO has never been a big follower of ocean racing (outside of the news pages), but as the seas take their toll on the fleet it becomes clear that although 50 years has passed since Suhaili and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston first circumnavigated non-stop, there is still plenty to be said for ‘slow and steady wins the race’.
Take Commander Abhilash Tomy, an officer in the Indian Navy sailing the Suhaili replica Thuriya. He appears not to be troubling the leading pack but, thanks to Ladbrokes, we now
have odds on him winning the race: 18/1 (as we went to press). Let us know if you’re following the race and who you’re backing: goldengloberace.com
And still on the subject of racing, the PBO Miles to Maldon trophy is up for grabs at the Maldon Regatta 22 September (maldonregatta.co.uk).
Awarded for the boat towed the greatest distance to the event, the 2014 trophy was awarded to Gwilym and Eva Newnham, who towed their 16ft Winkle Brig Constance 503 miles from Ireland! PBO’s Dave Selby will be participating in one of several Sailfish 18s, and will be on hand to advise on launch sites and help find overnight berths in Maldon, so crews can stay on and enjoy the party.