Latest news from the three Racers

by Mireille Vatine on 16 Mar 2001 Team Adventure is level with the Cape Verde Islands, doing about 10/11 knots average, in a 20/25 knot
north-easterly, obliging her to sail close hauled, not the most comfortable point of sailing for a catamaran and really
'boat-breaking'. At 1850 miles from Gibraltar, the crew is being very patient and not taking any risks. Apparently this
wind should continue for another 2 to 3 days.

On board, it would really seem that sleep is something of a problem. After the 'To sleep well you have to be very
tired' from Jean-Yves Bernot yesterday, today at noon it was Larry Rosenfeld who explained to us that the bunks
should be lengthened and padding should be added, because the shocks against the bulkheads cause at the least
knocks and bruises and could even lead to broken ankles... Some rethinking to do on the ergonomics, the giants are
demanding.

On board Warta-Polpharma, they are gradually approaching the Equator which they should reach tomorrow
sometime during the day, 'we are making progress at 12 knots in light airs, and we're keeping our eyes on a huge
anticyclone that could risk complicating life on the haul back to Gibraltar' feared Roman Paszke. The Doldrums are
not too extensive and should be crossed rapidly like with Team Adventure.

In any case, time goes by quickly on board and Roman is in frequent contact with his country's media: radio
stations, TV networks and the written press, and is answering numerous requests. Roman knows that the reception
in Marseilles will be warm, his sponsors will be arriving shortly to prepare a great party for the finish. 'It is too early to
commit to an estimated date of arrival', continued Roman during this noon's chat session, 'we are in contact with
our shore based router and the weather situation is a little complicated to fathom.'

Team Legato is going to have to negotiate a large high developing off Buenos Aires and moving away to the east. It
will considerably slow the boat's progress in the next few days to come, enough to put the crew's nerves on edge.
'But all is well on board,' said Tony, 'We hope to be able to do our 300 miles per day average and we are enjoying
being at sea'.

Ranking on 15 Mar 2001 at 15:00:00 GMT

1. Club Med arrived on March 03, 2001

2. Innovation Explorer arrived on March 06, 2001

3. Team Adventure 2458.6 miles to finish

4. Warta Polpharma 3626.2 miles to finish

5. Team Legato 5825.8 miles to finish

Retired - PlayStation on January 14, 2001