Race start still on hold as noreaster storm moves through Norfolk

As the scheduled start of the third leg of the Velux 5 Oceans came and went with no yachts out on the water, so the forecast noreaster storm arrived that has caused the postponement of the departure of this final stage in The Ultimate Solo Challenge.

As Norfolk sits in the middle of the vicious low pressure system so the city is expecting a large thunderstorm to hit around 18:00 local time and deliver winds in excess of 35 knots this evening, gusting 40 knots. Virginia is still on Tornado Watch and has issued a Gale Warning. Monday does not look any brighter, with winds between 25 to 30 knots, gusting 45 knots, and holding through until Tuesday.

Race organisers and the skippers will continue to meet every 12 hours with weather experts to assess the situation but a start on Monday April 16 looks unlikely at this time.

However, race organisers still wanted to mark the end of the Norfolk stopover so decided to proceed with an official send-off in spite of the postponed start. Representatives from HMS OCEAN’s crew, the Royal Navy and NATO welcomed over 400 people into the main hanger of the large vessel whilst moored alongside Pier 14 at the vast naval station in Norfolk. A contingent of British officers warmly welcomed Velux guests and sailors alike, who included the North American veterans of the race in town to celebrate the event’s 25-year history and strong American influence over the seven races.

Race Director David Adams introduced the previous competitors and then presented the history of the race. He was joined on stage by HMS OCEAN’s Commanding Officer Captain Russ Harding and Tim Miller, General Manager of Velux USA, all paying tribute to the Velux 5 Oceans and also marking the start of the Azalea Festival, an annual event whereby NATO thanks Norfolk.

Following a reception amidst the impressive fleet of Merlin helicopters, the skippers of the VELUX 5 OCEANS were presented on stage. All the skippers were in attendance, except Graham Dalton, who is still fighting his way towards Norfolk after a stop in Brazil, and Unai Basurko, who chose not to attend due to the inclement weather.

Norfolk then bid farewell to the skippers as they were lifted out of the hangar on the huge helicopter elevator, accompanied by a piper from the Royal Dragoon Guard, a regiment with links to the family of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.