Yokohama-Hong Kong

Olivier de Kersauson doesn't take Ellen's bait

Only a few days have passed since establishing the new world record run from San Francisco to Yokohama and Geronimo is headed for another record-setting sail, this time from Yokohama, Japan to Hong Kong.

A slightly smaller and equally dedicated crew will set sail on 2 May 2006 (several crew having other commitments). New on board is Raphael Blot, originally from Brittany, who is a well known competitive sailor who has lived in Hong Kong for the past 14 years. He is a welcome addition to the crew and a wonderful ambassador to the Hong Kong yachting community.

The Capgemini Schneider Electric-sponsored maxi trimaran Geronimo and her crew originally planned to sail on 1 May 2006, however strong south-westerly winds kept her on her mooring. "With gusts above 35 knots of wind, it is nearly impossible to take Geronimo out of the Yokohama Bayside Marina safely as the 45m high mast will make the boat sail at 15 knots with no sails," says Olivier de Kersauson.

"We expect, however, that on Tuesday evening local time, the strong southwest wind should swing to the northwest and slow down. Predictions then show a short calm, followed by a completely new system providing good winds from the north. This would allow us to reach Taiwan in a pretty good time. Then, it will just die, but the forecasts change so quickly here that it is quite impossible to know what will be there in three days onwards," he adds.

The start line is at Misaki, 270 degrees, Jogashima Lighthouse (35° 07.90'N; 139° 36.90'E), Yokohama Japan. The finish line is established by the yacht passing between Nga Yin Pai Light (22° 14.557 N, 114° 16.843 E) and Yai Long Pai Light (22° 14.039 N, 114° 15.975 E). The distance point to point is 1,635 nautical miles. The time keeper authority is ISAF/WSSRC and the current record holder is Record Bench Mark Time.

"It would be so good to have a big performance from Japan to Hong Kong," says Olivier de Kersauson while also mentioning the wonderful respite the crew enjoyed in the throes of quintessential Japanese hospitality. "We had all sorts of presents from the Japanese fans here, including saké and sushi, of course. Today we have been offered a traditional meal brought by an anonymous fan, made out of rice, eggs, fish and seaweed and presented in a magnificent mahogany round box. The welcome and kindness of the Japanese sailors and public here is hard to believe."


The crew list
Olivier de Kersauson
Didier Ragot
Jean Charles Corre
Lucas Zamecnik
Xavier Douin
Antoine Deru
Philippe Laot
Raphael Blot (Hong Kong)