Sailing: Netherlands on the brink of history
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE NETHERLANDS were racing to their first win in Admiral's Cup history last night as Great Britain, who started the deciding Wolf Rock Race as co-leaders, saw their grip slipping.
As the two smaller classes, the Sydney 40 and Mumm 36, turned at the Helston Light off the coast of Cornwall to start what was expected to be a fast 140-mile run home to the finish at North Head buoy, just west of the entrance to the Solent, the 36ft Barlo Plastics was fourth in its class and just six minutes behind the leader, Germany's Jeantex. And it was half that distance again to the third boat, the Netherlands' Mean Machine.
That was a gap which could easily be closed by a crew who have produced the most determined performance for Britain in the Cup. But the 40ft Nautica was last and nearly 40 minutes behind the leaders, Merit Cup for Europe, with the Dutch boat fourth. In such fast reaching conditions, to make up such a margin was a tall order. That Chris Law and Graham Bailey could fall so far behind is a matter for speculation but could be due to gear damage.
Britain's big boat, Venture 99, skippered by Lawrie Smith, went round Wolf Rock, 35 miles further west, in a pack of four that included Italy, Europe and the Netherlands. However, a mile astern of the leading 50, Idler of the United States, Smith jumped to second and gave chase after the defending champions. Five of the nine competing teams are still in with a chance of collecting the trophy for the world championship of offshore racing.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments