Great Lakes Sailors Ross Kneebone and Ray Muld recently returned from the Fiji Hobie Challenge.
The Challenge is a 5-day ocean sailing race that visited some of the least developed and most beautiful parts of the Fiji coast and inshore waters. The 5-day endurance ocean race covering 60 nautical miles tested the fitness and sailing skills of all sailors.
The course was set on the prevailing windward side of Viti Levu with most legs having the option of sailing within the protection of the outer barrier reef. With the low pressure system that brought the big swells to Forster recently having moved out into the Pacific, the challenge was one of survival. Some legs of the course were over 15 nautical miles of open water and sailing across 3-6m swells with 18-25knots of wind was a challenge.
Navigating the coral reefs was a significant challenge throughout the event. Often the entrance to the reefs and lagoon was through narrow channels and with large swells breaking only 50m away sailing was often dangerous. A capsize would certainly ended with a smashed boat.
At the end of the challenge Ray and Ross finished mid field in 13th position. An outstanding result against a fleet including several national champions.
The Challenge is a 5-day ocean sailing race that visited some of the least developed and most beautiful parts of the Fiji coast and inshore waters. The 5-day endurance ocean race covering 60 nautical miles tested the fitness and sailing skills of all sailors.
The course was set on the prevailing windward side of Viti Levu with most legs having the option of sailing within the protection of the outer barrier reef. With the low pressure system that brought the big swells to Forster recently having moved out into the Pacific, the challenge was one of survival. Some legs of the course were over 15 nautical miles of open water and sailing across 3-6m swells with 18-25knots of wind was a challenge.
Navigating the coral reefs was a significant challenge throughout the event. Often the entrance to the reefs and lagoon was through narrow channels and with large swells breaking only 50m away sailing was often dangerous. A capsize would certainly ended with a smashed boat.
At the end of the challenge Ray and Ross finished mid field in 13th position. An outstanding result against a fleet including several national champions.
No comments:
Post a Comment