Skipper delighted with new Newport to Bermuda Race record
Rambler has smashed the Newport to Bermuda Race record finishing in 39 hours, 39 minutes and 18 seconds.George David's 90ft maxi Rambler clipped a massive 14 hours off the previous best time set ten years ago by Roy Disney's Pyewacket.The new record now stands at 39hr, 39 minutes, 18 seconds (subject to ratification) - an average speed of 16knots.A delighted George David said. “These were perfect conditions. The most exciting moment was when we hit 26 knots. I'm so pleased with our performance. We have reduced the record by 25 percent - not bad for a boat that is now ten years old. This Rambler is the best boat I have ever owned!”Rambler not only slashed the race record, her crew also spanked their rivals, with Hap Fauth's Bella Mente crossing the lighthouse line one hour 43 minutes behind, followed three minutes later by Shockwave skippered by George Sakellaris.On corrected time however, Shockwave beat Rambler by 33 minutes, followed by Belle Mente in 3rd and Team Tiburon 4th.Spirit of Bermuda is now on the final leg of the Newport Bermuda Race.After 48 hours at sea the sloop has logged more than 450 of the 635 mile 'Thrash to the Onion Patch'.Spirit is currently tracking in a southeasterly direction below the rhumbline at 7 knots with the wind on her port beam.North east winds that peaked at 30 knots yesterday have diminished considerably.Spirit, the sole entry in the new 'Spirit of Tradition' Division, enhanced her chances of making landfall in Bermuda as early as tomorrow after covering considerable distance in the Gulf StreamThe 118ft sloop hitched a ride on a meander in the Gulf Stream and was able to keep the momentum going after making the most of a warm and cold eddy that broke away from the warm body of water.Morale remains high onboard and those that were experiencing sea sickness have now made a full recovery.Fathers onboard are enjoying Father's Day while the entire crew are being treated to a spectacular show by a passing pod of dolphins."It's not too often that you see 8-10 dolphins interacting in the wild," said crewman Terry Pimentel. "The dolphin show was spectacular and something really special."Spirit is among the 166 boats competing in the Newport Bermuda Race.