The gruelling Archipelago raid for F18 catamarans has now started. This year the very top European F18 sailors compete like the champions Heemskerk/Tentji from the Netherlands. Hobie Cat Nissan has fielded a team of four boats with French, German, Finnish and Swedish crews. When following the fleet from my powerboat the first day the Swedish Capricorns seemed to perform well in flat water (light wind), but during day 2 and 3 the foreign Tiger and Nacra Infusion teams seem to be faster in tougher conditions.
archipelagoraid

Wow really interesting. What is the water temp?

Inshore you have about 18 deg C, offshore probably 14 deg C.
I do not think water and air (about 18-20 deg C) temperature represent any problems this year as compared to the physical and mental strain of sailing and paddling (!) for hours (really days!) with the ever present risk of hitting rocks (and logs!). When following the fleet on Monday, I noticed some sailors taking high risks when entering shallow waters - I could not follow them with my inboard/ouboard drive...

Regards/Bengtos

Strong crews come in handy during the Archipelago raid

Dismasted Tiger, but still in the race!

Where's Maud Fontenoy when you really need her?

French F18 specialists win Archipelago raid 2007

http://www.archipelagoraid.com/news.php?PHPSESSID=c0cc19f7e6d007a59eadac065a5fa808