Monnett Around the World - In the heart of Mona
by Editor 13 Mar 2000 21:34 GMT
In the heart of Mona
The weekend was difficult for Philippe Monnet, and the week that’s commencing does not look much better. Today the skipper of UUNET is in the heart of Mona, a new tropical storm : "apparently these conditions are going to follow me as far as New Zealand, even Australia". Last position at 15.45 GMT : 47°05’S – 157°53’ W.
Costly progression
"The weather is really strange this year and the cyclones are descending very low". Philippe is facing his Nth tropical storm since Cape Horn and the phenomenon has almost become routine for him : "for the last twelve hours it’s been raining stair rods, it’s a real deluge ! And as usual I’m keeping my head down and waiting for it to blow through".
Despite the 50 knots of wind from the south that are battering UUNET, the sea remains practicable and the monohull is progressing at 10 knots average : I’m sailing with just the mainsail and for once I’m making progress in the right direction !"
Same scenario as far as New Zealand
According to Philippe, these conditions should pursue him as far as New Zealand where a zone of high pressure will bar his route. So the yachtsman will position himself either to the south or the north depending on the weather conditions, in order to pass through in the best way possible. After that it’s another story…
Today Monday 13th March, Philippe Monnet has a 484 mile (896 km) lead over Mike Golding’s record (161 days).
More Information: www.70degresud.com/Eng/News