re: sailorgirl: neck and neck in the sydney hobart jsulli .......

re: sailorgirl: neck and neck in the sydney hobart jsulli .... "I'd be interested to know what is meant by " they'll swing out wide & cut in fast " What's happened to the Rhumb Line?"

These boats VMG (velocity made good) is better when the ease sheets, use tight reaching headsails and actually sail "off the wind".
They cover more distance but at a higher velocity, plus the entry angle to the waves is better.
Therefore they get to the upwind mark quicker than a boat sailing "close to the wind".

No boat can sail the Rhumb Line when the wind is parallel with that line.

Good to see Nicorette hanging in there. First time this yacht has been raced.
And Brindabella should take out AAPT shortly for 2nd place.
It's going to be a battle in the Derwent for these two.