The penultimate day of the Seychelles Challenge delivered a dramatic and challenging race, as the fleet tackled a gruelling 25 nautical mile sprint from La Digue to St Anne Island. Competitors battled formidable conditions with winds gusting over 30 knots and a sea state that tested the mettle of even the most seasoned crews.
After a brief 15-minute delay to the start, the race was on. Tony Norris’s Team, Knot Fast, Just Furious, shot into an early lead. However, they were soon hunted down and overtaken by the local powerhouse, Team Tourism Seychelles, expertly skippered by Gilbert Victor. In a thrilling display of heavy-weather sailing, Team Knot Fast, Just Furious managed to hold on and shadow the leaders through the turbulent crossing.
The conditions on the water were significantly more challenging than forecasted. An anticipated swell of 1.8m − 2.2m was dwarfed by the reality of a punishing 2.2m − 3m sea. Combined with sustained winds of 25 knots gusting to 30 knots, the gnarly conditions made for a wet, wild, and physically demanding leg.
In a testament to their power in the heavy seas, Team Tourism Seychelles crossed the finish line first and secured well-deserved line honours.
However, the day’s victory on corrected time belonged to Team Knot Fast, Just Furious. Their tactical performance in the demanding conditions earned them the win for the leg once handicap ratings were applied, with Team Tourism Seychelles taking a close second place.
The challenging passage took its toll, with seasickness becoming a significant factor for many sailors across the fleet.
All teams are now safely anchored off St Anne Island to enjoy a quiet and well-deserved evening of recovery. The stage is now set for a thrilling conclusion to the Seychelles Challenge with the final day of racing tomorrow: The ABSA Challenge.
