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Winds as low
as 2.5 knots made precision helming and precise calls
for sail changes absolutely crucial, as the ICAP Maximus
crew headed south to exit the high. By late afternoon
the winds were building again, as predicted by navigator
Mike Quilter, and key helmsmen Richard Bouzaid, Tom
Dodson, Greg Elliott - the yacht's designer -, Jeff
Scott and George Hendy worked hard to find wind and
heat up the pace.
As Tuesday evening drew on the wind built and ICAP Maximus
recorded its fastest speeds of the race during the night's
reach towards Plymouth. With 16 knots showing at times,
significantly above the wind speed of 13 knots, the
Kiwi yacht headed for line honours and a place in the
history books.
During all the race, apart from the period a few hours
after the start, the only competitors seen were on the
distant horizon. "Once we'd rounded the Fastnet
Rock," commented Charles St Clair Brown, "we
were quietly confident that, with a crew of this calibre,
we would finish strongly." His confidence proved
correct and, with the support and assistance of ICAP,
this super maxi has notched up yet another race win,
achieved in difficult and demanding conditions.
Graham Sprigg
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