20 January 2005
Stelmar set for big welcome this afternoon
Stelmar, the last Global Challenge yacht making its way to Wellington, should arrive this afternoon or this evening.
When Stelmar last polled its position about 5am this morning, it was 70 miles from the line doing nine knots, having
sailed 170 miles at an average speed of 7.1 knots in the last 24 hours.
Lack of breeze shouldn’t be a problem the closer Stelmar gets to Wellington, with the forecast showing northerly winds
of more than 30 knots and rough seas – similar to conditions faced by the rest of the fleet coming into Wellington.
But while the weather conditions are similar, the welcome should be bigger. Stelmar has been delayed on leg two of the
race from Buenos Aires, having to seek medical assistance for two crewmembers, and was forced to divert back to
Argentina from the mid-Southern Ocean after one crewmember badly broke his arm. The 52 days Stelmar has spent at sea is
a record for any Global Challenge yacht on any leg.
The arrival of Stelmar has been hugely anticipated and the yacht is set to receive a huge welcome from families, friends
and supporters. Wellingtonians are more than welcome to join in and welcome Stelmar to the city. The yacht will berth on
the southern side of Queens Wharf, near Fergs Kayaks.
ENDS