Sydney Hobart - Tactical Challenges at the back of the fleet

6:06 AM Wed 23 Dec 2009 GMT

'Fastest route for smallest boat in fleet, Farr 1020 Zephyr Hamilton Elevators - but a long way from the rhumb - Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race' Tidetech

With all the fuss and most of the media coverage is going to broken masts and the record breaking weapons at the pointy end of the fleet, its at the back of the fleet where the smartest tactical decisions have to be made.

The race has become a sub-two day sprint for the modern super maxis that now have the ability to reach Hobart in a single weather system- but it's a different story for the bulk of the fleet that may have to experience two or more systems and probably a pasting at some stage on the course.

Race strategy become much harder when early decisions have to be made based on what you think is going to happen in three days time. It's harder still when you've been out there for two days and only have scanty weather info to go on.

Information about the current is crucial, because no matter whether there is three or 30kts of wind the current will carry still carry you on a huge conveyor belt. Hopefully it will be going south!

Whilst all the big boats have the latest routeing software with current and wind data, in percentage terms it's the smaller and displacement yachts that have the most to gain from the technology.

Let's look at some routeing examples:

Course table shows why - 12kts of wind, 7.3kts boat speed + 3.7kts current = 11kts over the ground - Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race - Tidetech

Result - 98 extra miles sailed, 20% faster! - Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race - Tidetech

So that's 112 hrs sailing the rhumbline and 91 on the optimal route. 20% faster and with 100 extra miles sailed!

The routing example above was performed using Expedition tactical and navigation software with Tidetech's current data.

The EAC is ripping this year and boats without the best info will be out the back door. Tidetech are providing information about the current, sourced from the highly regarded CSIRO.

Hi Resolution Sea temperature shows exact position of current - Tidetech

Tidetech are offering a special package for this year's race which includes:

. Custom data for the S2H race area

. Full analysis of the expected current

. A pre-start briefing on the 24th Dec with Tidetech Oceanographer Dr Roger Proctor and navigation software expert Penny Haire

. Two months' Subscription to all Tidetech's web products

Tidetech is now fully integrated with Expedition tactical and navigation software. www.iexpedition.org

It is also compatible with Maxsea, Deckman, Adrena, SOB and Expedition LT

Go to www.tidetech.org for more information

by Penny Haire