Monnet Update - The Indian by the north
by Windreport 11 Apr 2000 22:40 BST
Philippe is still heading north to skirt a zone of high pressure. He is finding favourable weather conditions along his way allowing him to progress fast and to extend his lead over Mike Golding’s record. Last position at 08.36 GMT : 30°29’ S – 95°34’ E.
"I look more like a human being"
After being slightly worried about a lack of wind last weekend, Philippe Monnet is confident again in his northerly strategy. The skipper of UUNET is currently attempting to skirt a bubble of high pressure in the middle of the Indian Ocean. If he succeeds he will benefit from favourable conditions for 3 to 4 days. Today Tuesday, the yachtsman is averaging 10 knots in a calm sea : "I’m above all concentrating on sailing fast in medium conditions, which don’t tire the boat so much".
The good weather accompanying UUNET since Australia has enabled Philippe to catch up on his sleep : "last week I was so tired that I went out for the count for 6 or 7 hours, but I’m much better now : I look more like a human being than I did on leaving the South Pacific".
9 days lead
In the last 24 hours, Philippe Monnet has covered 260 miles. A great performance allowing him to extend his lead to 9 days. "I’ve a boat designed to go fast downwind and which goes well in light airs," explained Monnet, "which was rather Mike Golding’s weakness. In any case, nobody can go fast in heavy weather".
Philippe’s good performance also shows that UUNET is in good shape, especially since last week’s total clean-up. "The better the conditions, the more difficult we become about living down below. One has a better purpose to life and it allows one to maintain the boat in good shape and notch up some good daily runs".
"Sunshine’s perking me up"
What is certain, is that since entering the Indian Ocean, Philippe Monnet is enjoying sailing again : "since starting from Brest, I found it hard to enjoy being at sea but with the comeback of favourable winds off Australia, I’m happy to be here. The sunshine’s perking me up and it’s so much more enjoyable even if I am racing".
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