Volvo Baltic Race

Jim Turner reports from on board Challenge of Netsurvey

Today was a blustery day in Kiel, Germany with winds of 20-35 knots for the 1st Leg of the Volvo Baltic Race. Of the seven yachts racing it soon became apparent that the 58 mile Leg 1 race would be a fight between two boats, Team RS and Challenge of Netsurvey.

The start from the harbour outside the Kieler Yacht Club was viewed by many spectators both ashore and on the water. One hour into the race and Team RS
and Challenge of Netsurvey were having a close race with less than two lengths separating the boats. This was pretty much how it stayed until a 9 mile beat along the coast to Eckenforde when Challenge of Netsurvey used a slightly larger headsail than Team RS. This enabled Challenge of Netsurvey to pull out a 3 minute lead which they maintained until the finish. Team RS finished 2nd, Elanders Racing Team in 3rd and 4th were Atea.

Onboard Challenge of Netsurvey led by Matthew Humphries the crew were pleased with their first win and are happy to be sitting at the top of the leaderboard at the end of day one.

Tomorrow sees the fleet having three windward-leeward races which combine to comprise Leg 2 of the Volvo Baltic Race. Challenge of Netsurvey will be bringing updates exclusively to the Daily Sail for the two week long event.

Challenge of Netsurvey Crew:
Matthew Humphries
Tony Rey
Cameron Appleton
Ross Field
Jonathon Taylor
Jim Turner
Gareth Cook
Scott Bevis
Hendrik Dahl