Zezo forum:

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-05 | 00:03:01

Well, my bet was up to now on short-cutting through the millions of small islands of Papua New Guinea archipelago. So I set my destination close to Basilaki Island. A bit optimistic it turned out, now when I saw that Zezo suggest a much more eastern (and easier) route to Hong Kong. I suppose I am not the only one that was having this strategy? But do we change our plan just because Zezo suddenly has a small hickup? No, we don't,..., right? ;-)

340 Comments

Post by upperdecker | 2018-01-05 | 00:10:47

im going with be patient...you'll be severely hurting if the west does kick in and you get stuck in the middle of both packs. just my thoughts though...these forecasts have had massive changes in the past, so fingers crossed!

Post by FlatEarth | 2018-01-07 | 12:57:58

I think patience with west is finaly paying off. Still 3-4 days to conclusion - did we cut them off?

Post by zezo | 2018-01-05 | 00:10:56

It may not be one-off.

In fact that's the traditional route, and for a reason. It's just Solomon sea high pressure system was a bit wider and to the NE than usual.

That, combined with the artificial 4 knot minimum wind in the game were giving the short route a preference.

I wonder myself what to do with the 4 kt limit. The thing is that in such areas the wind is not only low, it's also variable and unpredictable, so the real result is worse than the router track.

Post by upperdecker | 2018-01-05 | 00:14:25

sooo...we're screwed? :-)

Post by zezo | 2018-01-05 | 00:27:29

Quite possible. But a lot of things can change in the next 4-5 days.

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-05 | 11:04:22

interesting to see there is a split with some notable sailors on the shortcut (bigbird, marcusbelgicus and the rest of the race leaders). not to forget VSR top 5 KLM2235 who is rounding Australia the other way around.

position at the line is what counts

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-05 | 00:16:31

Yeah, and on the positive note, a bunch of boats previously close to me changed to the new route. So finally the race became more interesting.

Post by UffeF | 2018-01-05 | 00:26:06

Our western group seems to be quite small tomorrow. Interesting!

Post by nsp | 2018-01-05 | 00:28:06

Great, maybe, one frigate's chopter is enough for all of you :P

Post by nsp | 2018-01-05 | 00:27:04

It is not an hick up,

I have been whatching these bumped way, for a long time and in fact searching for it. Simply there was no easy access there until now. This is one of the normal viable routes if not the most, the longer but the fastest.

With the explanation of Cvetan now I understood why we haven't seen it suggested earlier....it was the 4knts treshold....damn VR.

It was there all the time looking and smiling at us with those big bumps.

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-05 | 00:33:32

No worries, at least I get to explore the beautiful archipelago :-)

Post by zezo | 2018-01-05 | 00:31:00

Without the 4 kt limit it's a parking lot. Maybe it's time to add another checkbox called "No min wind" to the menu. Wish I'd thought about it two days earlier.

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-05 | 00:36:20

That's a nice idea!

Post by upperdecker | 2018-01-05 | 00:44:41

buttttt there is a 4k limit. right??

Post by zezo | 2018-01-05 | 00:47:21

There is, but it would be better simulated with a no limit, or possibly 2kt limit for a long-term strategy.

Post by nsp | 2018-01-05 | 00:34:36

Masterminds also have their own hickups :P
But it's not yet too late at all for you in your position. It's quite favorable even. Want to switch boats?

Post by zezo | 2018-01-05 | 00:46:17

It flopped back with the new GRIB.

Post by kewcom | 2018-01-05 | 00:52:28

are you saying that the western boats now show as best route?

Post by zezo | 2018-01-05 | 00:55:26

Yes, from my position. BTW there are boats further East than than main pack that split few hours ago. See rafal71 for example, so if the West wins it may well be a boat following the proper route right from the start, not from the moment the forecast changed.

Post by LumbaSLO | 2018-01-05 | 00:59:54

From my position it wants me to go even more EAST...looks like 2 different routes are very similar with the new GRIB.

Post by kewcom | 2018-01-05 | 01:08:38

Now the latest file shows the western group should gybe off NOW as opposed to those gybing in an hour or so.....I'm gonna stick with the original plan...ie: the plan that was in place before the change earlier today when the split happened.

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-05 | 01:13:46

It depends on where you are. The Westernmost West group is still being told to stick to the West route. The East group (like Mangina) is being told to go further East than the last update. Folks in the middle will see indecisiveness.

For the moment, Mangina and whoever's with him look very strong.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-05 | 01:43:17

You are my hero....
how many hour you sleep at day?

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-05 | 03:47:51

Thanks. :-) Actually, I usually sleep 6-8 hours a night, and I have a good job and a good family. When I'm doing particularly well, I'll keep my iPhone by the bed so that if I wake up in the middle of the night I can take a look. On very rare occasions when a start or finish with complicated landmass situations occurs in the middle of the night, I'll wake up for that... I stayed up until 2:30 AM local for the Sydney-Hobart, for example. But usually, I sleep properly. Also, Zezo is the only tool I use. I haven't even installed the Chrome tool.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-05 | 14:35:27

Wow. awesome.
I'm from Spain and working in the oil&gas industry, to many long trips offshore around the year and also I have a good family, was a pleasure.
keep pushing & good luck.

Post by natto | 2018-01-05 | 02:14:20

Captain Sheep

Post by nsp | 2018-01-05 | 04:10:27

Captain Ghost MoM...lol

Post by nsp | 2018-01-05 | 01:24:28

Warning Cvetan: It didn't flop back! Just checked with your position, right now and with mine. You are in front of me now and your ETA you don't want to know...

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-05 | 01:36:39

Is to early to say what route will be the winner.
Last VOR edition in the leg 4 (Sanya to Auckland) winner was in the back of the fleet for more than 10/15 days, so no panic in the Titanic!!!!
this east pack guys wanna play with our moral.
:-)

Post by Tukker | 2018-01-05 | 14:56:51

So what you say about the route is very true.I went south of new guinee,
through a terrible hurricane and learned how to get through in a proper
way.Our little group,at that moment had a huge lead of maybe 500 miles,
but were overhauled passing Australia.Same can happen now in this
leg.Do you remember the "Things" that happened during that leg? :
1)The fregat boat was in a far better position then the front of the fleet.
2)So "Big virtual sailors" creating new boats with other names DURING the leg.
I regarded them as traitors.I think the lot did not have the guts to
pass the finishline with their creations.Since then my opinion about
the game and about the participants has changed.First of all Virtual
Regatta making such fraud possible. And what about "Top"-players eager to
win prices with their secret ships.Nobody could have stopped it.....
Greetings and good luck, this leg we all need it. :-)

Post by nsp | 2018-01-05 | 01:57:20

I was just comparing in terms of flop back or not in face of a new GRIB. What you've just said it's obvious. I like big trips like in transat in Uber north group :P So i'm more than prepared to be at like 30000ish for the next 10 days or more :P

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-05 | 02:04:57

VR is like a guessing game.......
For sure if you follow the pack you will never win a leg, so do your own path.
:-)

Post by Alex Wind | 2018-01-05 | 09:50:30

Hahahahah,
Yesterday I was around 20th, I saw a possibilty to follow east way, so, I go.
Many guys around me do the same and use ghost mood.
This morning, I wake up at seven and when I look on zezo, zezo tell me "hey guy go back in the west":D. So I can't change my way and stay in the east option.
It's a little be hard.. But with chance, around 8:30 zezo give me again the east road. I am happy despite I am around 2000th. In french when you take an extreme option different to all boats in a regatta, we say, "le bord du facteur". The translation is "the postman's way".
Happy new year to all sailors and good wind !

Alex Wind

Post by nsp | 2018-01-06 | 03:25:39

If you are using dashboard and you kept your pc in standby he might have not updated your position but zezo updated the weather, so the first impression is sometimes scarying.

If that's the case turn everyting on again or wait dashboard to refresh a new position and click go. Maybe you will have a surprise and after all you are in the right Heading.

It happened to me. It's not any bug. It's just, because pc was not updating everything, and sometimes even you are disconnected from VR or something else.

Post by Rostef | 2018-01-05 | 11:21:16

The desicion between east or west of the solomons was due at the latitude of sydney. Before, the routings were the same, then the western route split. Initially they were the same until Brisbane but we had to decide earlier. Captain Sheep etc. did that.

I prefer being in the front pack on the route I chose rather than hunt another one. So I kept my initial waypoint. May the 4kn Gods help us :-)

Post by nsp | 2018-01-06 | 03:43:09

Well indeed you are in front of the front pack, and congratulations for it Rosteff...but........
In a sailing race what matters is finishing first, it doesn't matter to be first at 4000NM to the end if you have a swimming pool of 2000 NM in front of you and if you are going to ask the waiter to grab you a sit to drink some beers at the beach whatching the bikinis while the wind doesnt go over 4 knts.

Plus the beauty in this Leg in particular is the quantity of options you have. You don't have to chase anyone, you just have to be creative, and try to do your best.

More, an Eastern route even for the western group now is viable and is not following or chasing anyone. It's taking risk.

In this moment However the greater risk is being in your position keep heading North like that, you'll be the first to dive in the pool...

in this moment i see though some of the guys in the pack are already realizing it.

Anyway :)

Fair winds

Post by yet-another-fool | 2018-01-05 | 11:46:15

I totally got caught by that. Beginner's mistake: I was constantly seeing the western option until midnight, when the routing suddenly changed to the eastern one just as I was going to sleep. Having little time to make a decision, I went for it - just to back-track to the west this morning. All these small islands will make for some nice scenery at least. ;-)

I am sorry if this came up before, but there is one addition to Zezo I would love to see: waypoints! Comparing different routes would be so much easier if we could add a waypoint the routing has to pass through on the way to the destination. What do you think?

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-05 | 13:56:04

Right click on the map, it gives you the option to set a waypoint.

Post by yet-another-fool | 2018-01-05 | 17:40:50

I must be blind - all I see is "Set as starting point" and "Set as destination", but no waypoints. Help? ;-)

Post by zezo | 2018-01-05 | 17:45:44

Most of the time you can manipulate the route and get enough information just by moving the destination around and observing the humps and bumps in the isochrones, but it takes some experience.

Post by yet-another-fool | 2018-01-05 | 18:09:49

Thanks for the tip! And for providing this website, it is really appreciated.

Post by yet-another-fool | 2018-01-05 | 18:09:50

Thanks for the tip! And for providing this website, it is really appreciated.

Post by chelonia | 2018-01-05 | 12:08:48

�change

Post by chelonia | 2018-01-05 | 12:12:06

�change

not funny Cvetan :-)

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-05 | 12:56:14

Didn't you hear the minimum wind limit is now 1 kts in stead of 4 kts ?
Much more realistic!

Post by eljot | 2018-01-05 | 13:16:16

Big relief, because I thought that only I was so undecided :)
The fork of the road surprised me so much that I changed the decision twice :) to finally choose the eastern route -hope the better one ;)
All the Best in New Year!

Post by Pedro Fonseca | 2018-01-07 | 00:04:52

lok at the boats of the real race, they have lots of people studying the best route

Post by zezo | 2018-01-07 | 00:07:02

But also obligatory gate at Santa Anna which we don't have.

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-05 | 13:42:25

It's a pity we cannot zoom in and see players in a given area. I am curious who is the leader of the east group. I am guessing it's someone who decided on that route early on. I only have boats visible that change strategy yesterday it seems like. There is probably some boats well ahead of them?

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-05 | 13:57:26

Magina, Rafal71 and Captain Sheep are the boats I've found over there so far.

Looks like a lot of people are using stealth mode right now.

Post by Rostef | 2018-01-05 | 14:16:32

From those I know I would say Captain Sheep

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-05 | 17:09:47

Real boats are getting away from shore, joining the easter pack route.

Post by zezo | 2018-01-05 | 17:13:04

They have real-world gate to pass, right where the routing for the east pack goes.

Post by zezo | 2018-01-05 | 17:18:53

Santa Ana island, around 10�50'S 162�29'E

Post by kewcom | 2018-01-05 | 17:35:59

Some stealth mode boats should show up soon so long as they don't go into another 24hrs of stealth......so where are you all????

Post by Barnum | 2018-01-05 | 17:58:06

Captain Cheep, Mangina, voltigeur hollandais, Cobra Pourpre, Nando_1, GibDodger ...
Et moi :-)

Post by Alex Wind | 2018-01-05 | 19:11:57

Cobra Pourpre, � 2 miles derri�re moi ;)

Post by kewcom | 2018-01-05 | 17:52:35

Cvetan.....a little course change to 145 for a short while and then back again....was that to see who is following you !!!???

Post by zezo | 2018-01-05 | 17:53:37

No. Just the new GRIB kicking in ;-)

Post by Barnum | 2018-01-05 | 18:05:48

Violent coup de barre !

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-05 | 19:26:13

Post by Tarahumara_POR | 2018-01-05 | 19:32:19

Im in front of Rafal71 and MAngina ... so far! ;)
I chose the root since the beginning and based on the US pilot Chart for January and their probabilistic wind roses.. none the less we need to see what will be the result... too many miles to come.

Post by kewcom | 2018-01-05 | 20:08:38

I see some boats in the west group have lost faith and headed off chasing those who went east yesterday......it's probably the right thing to do given the weather models but I don't think there is any chance of catching those already in the east....so do we stick with it (the eastern route)or not...hmmmmm.

Post by manlyweevil | 2018-01-05 | 20:16:19

The circulation from that high is looking mighty nasty in about 5 days. I can't see much of a path through for the west fleet anymore.

Post by upperdecker | 2018-01-05 | 22:22:59

we're gonna be just fine... ;-)

Post by Pen Glops I | 2018-01-05 | 20:56:24

Yeah ! Du rang 2859 au 17101 en seulement 2 minutes ! Cool�

Time Rank DTL DTF
05/01/2018 � 19:42:55 UTC+1 2859 94.76 3954.2
05/01/2018 � 19:44:56 UTC+1 17101 253.37 3953.8

Yeah! from row 2859 to 17101 in just 2 minutes! Cool�

Time Rank DTL DTF
05/01/2018 � 19:42:55 UTC+1 2859 94.76 3954.2
05/01/2018 � 19:44:56 UTC+1 17101 253.37 3953.8

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-05 | 22:22:15

East track is clicking through the Solomons like a roulette wheel! Where will it stop?

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-05 | 22:54:03

Hopefully Hong Kong. :-)

Post by Lasse | 2018-01-05 | 23:10:50

I may have the most eastern boat (n'Lasse), haven't found anyone east of me. Chasing Captain Sheep about 4nm behind.

Post by upperdecker | 2018-01-05 | 23:58:21

have the westerly boats gone to a point of no return? latest Grib shows us (westerly boats) significantly behind the easterly boats in 188 hours. Obviously lots can change, and will...

Post by kewcom | 2018-01-06 | 00:36:15

Western group gone to far??? : there is always hope....even if it is based on a wish and a prayer!

Post by feriber | 2018-01-06 | 00:51:57

This leg is getting really interesting.....

Post by eljot | 2018-01-06 | 01:18:02

let's not forget about those who chose to go along the western coast of Australia...

Post by upperdecker | 2018-01-06 | 15:07:00

Who? Any boat names?

Post by eljot | 2018-01-06 | 16:00:09

One that I know about is KLM2235 , but there are others

Post by nsp | 2018-01-06 | 16:23:21

klm2235
Are you going to pray for them? :P

Post by nsp | 2018-01-06 | 05:02:57

I'm also eastbound, 10 miles starboard of Raketa, "eating" more than 20 miles to Mangyna and Co. since last night :P

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-06 | 08:45:31

So now for the eastern group, not only do we have the route through the Solomons changing every 4-6 hours, but we also have 10-10.5 TWS coming tomorrow which, if the polars are correct, accounts for a 20 degree shift in optimal TWA. This is slightly nuts.

Post by mangina | 2018-01-06 | 11:40:25

Hi all,

Another great thread to read through guys.

I have stirred my tea leaves and they are saying east of the Solomon's at the minute :)

My tarot cards are not very clear which way to go and my dice are telling me pass by New Britain.

My initial thought was to split the Solomon Islands leaving the start line, but that has changed now so hopefully my numbers come up in the ITWC lottery.

Cheers
Matt

Post by Tarahumara_POR | 2018-01-06 | 12:06:43

;)

Post by marcusbelgicus | 2018-01-06 | 13:44:48

Lol !!! Excellent!

Personnaly my tarot cards are telling me 'situation looks desperate at the moment
but within 11 days, the sun will be shining a lot for you !!!

Post by nsp | 2018-01-06 | 15:27:43

lol do you read hands too?

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-06 | 13:17:26

Last time I compared, which was like a minute ago, it looked like Western group have a slight lead, reaching the finish line some hours before Eastern group. I probably made a mistake while checking this, but at least I am a happy sailor again :-D

Post by upperdecker | 2018-01-06 | 15:00:32

Just saw the same thing!!

Post by nsp | 2018-01-06 | 15:29:19

it's a mistake..or a bug ;P

Post by Tarahumara_POR | 2018-01-06 | 16:45:57

the Bug is being fixed ;P ... almost even now.. again! :)
East and West ... just less than 10nm in finish .. let's see with new GRIBS

Post by nsp | 2018-01-06 | 17:22:07

Not counting that eastern boats have to do a lot more miles, but hey we have super polish (secret formula), right?

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-06 | 19:00:40

Yeah, I actually only checked with one of my main competitors for the Volvo Group. Him and me was neck to neck before he turned East. He is good positioned in the Eastern group, but not in the lead (similar to my relative position in the Western group). And I just checked again. Still estimated that I will be some hours ahead him. So WEST Trumps EAST yet again! :-D

Post by nsp | 2018-01-06 | 19:14:47

bahhhhh another bug. Fake news!!!

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-06 | 23:11:57

LOL!

I am holding up my index finger now! :-)

Post by nsp | 2018-01-08 | 02:54:58

lol, holding both hahhahahaha

Post by kewcom | 2018-01-06 | 15:02:00

I'm with you! Keep the faith!!!

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-06 | 17:45:42

20.00 PM
Only 9 nm between west and east. is getting interesting.....

Post by zezo | 2018-01-06 | 21:38:56

What is this? Navionics?

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-06 | 21:42:01

no is Expedition, is really good software but to expensive. for free you only can do pretty drawings almost useless.

Post by zezo | 2018-01-06 | 21:47:17

And toooooo steep learning curve for casual use.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-06 | 21:51:03

I'm like to try all software in the market. just for fun :-)

Post by zezo | 2018-01-06 | 21:58:38

The market is not big there. Adrena/Maxsea and Expedition on the pro front. Then Navionics and PredictWind for the leisure sailor. Maybe a few more. And then qtVlm, vrtool and the like for the enthusiasts.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-06 | 22:12:32

Friend of mine have 12meter boat, and participate in local regattas, I join the crew some times. so you can imagine what is my role....

Good recovery after ground in clipper race Cvetan, I miss the start so as usually following the pack again.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-06 | 21:39:42

I no put my hand on fire to say will be winner pack, but the first to cross the equator is in advantage for sure.
Keep pushing fellas.

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-06 | 22:48:02

I think that is a safe bet.

Tessa is leading the Western group (I think). She is around 17 nm closer to the equator than Zezo (and myself).

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-06 | 22:57:52

your calculation is excessive, is more east that you....don�t think like a looser. :-)
keep pushing...

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-06 | 23:00:09

Yes I know (hence the "I think"), I just wanted to point out that she is closer to the equator (for now) ;-)
A looser wouldn't name his boat UR2L8 would he? :-)
But if I am honest... Tessa is doing great. Really consistent performance. I hope she wins. For me it is enough to win the Volvo group. I won leg 3, and am leading this leg right now.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-06 | 23:07:46

outstanding your progress I�m was joking.
I�m a fucking looser ca not finish a leg in the top 50th :-)

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-06 | 23:15:32

No, don't say that. I have been sailing VORG since 2008. I was in top 10 one leg during 2011/12, but normally I am much lower in my ranking. Not sure why I am performing (so far) better than previous times. Probably just pure luck... or maybe the experience, and better understanding of polars and stuff like that .. or... probably not... it's luck so far, that's it! I know it, because it is during the nights I am doing those things that keeps me ahead. I do lousy programming so I can sleep instead of playing. Like this morning, I woke up in the morning I found myself much more to the west than I was hoping :-) But it turned out to be pretty good position after all. Who knew :-D

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-06 | 23:33:45

experience factor that�s the word.

This is my second VORG, and I did one clipper and one Vende globe as well, thanks all off you for open another point of view about this addictive game.
for sure this year I can break this challenge...

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-07 | 00:03:02

For sure, I think you will do great. Just keep it up. And after all it's just a game. I take it fairly seriously, but not so much that it affects my job (at least that is what I pretend in front of my manager) or my sleep (again perhaps not completely true, since I tend to wake up after 5-6 hours instead of normally 7 or 8 during a VORG leg).

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-07 | 00:30:18

Who knows how many marriages&jobs was broke to blame VR.....ahhahaahah

keep pushing :-)

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-07 | 02:20:48

I'm not far east enough to take all of the Solomons to port and still be competitive, so I'm cutting the last two islands and hoping the preferred route snaps back to that at some point in the next 24 hours. I also think it shows a better angle on the other side.

Anyone?

Post by nsp | 2018-01-07 | 02:28:03

Not at all, i like your position.

A while ago Zezo was hesitating between cutting off or keep going east of all islands.

You are ok.

Post by Backslash0 | 2018-01-07 | 02:41:17

You have good wind, in comparison with those in your inmediate starboard, like myself, and Your Mom SA. We'll go same way than you probably

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-07 | 02:52:19

I pointing to the middle of the island (TWA off) just behind Your Mon and bit east also, I will cut for the east corner.
Routing suggested .....

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-07 | 03:28:44

Zezo is suggesting right now cutting between, so lets go.......

Post by nsp | 2018-01-07 | 03:29:46

There is a little bump in the middle in 36 hours...i know the weather there is too volatile, but 36 hours is reasonable short period.

Post by nsp | 2018-01-07 | 03:31:07

And i don't help you anymore.....lol....you are not in my group

Post by nsp | 2018-01-07 | 03:56:05

For the first time since in this VOR, Real boats are in front of us....

Post by nsp | 2018-01-07 | 03:56:05

For the first time since i remember in this VOR, Real boats are in front of us....

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-07 | 09:54:10

Yes, I just noticed myself

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-07 | 12:41:50

Huge compression in the East pack, West pack is taking a considerable advantage, more than 100nm to Equator line.
11:10am

Post by WoKeN | 2018-01-07 | 12:47:55

I noticed the real sailors taking the East route...

Post by zezo | 2018-01-07 | 12:56:03

They have no choice - gate at Sana Anna - that's the lower right island in the chart above. A small island next to it, actually.

Post by WoKeN | 2018-01-07 | 14:39:59

Ah ok didnt know that

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-07 | 13:32:21

This new grip is braking my schedule.

Post by RST | 2018-01-07 | 14:33:55

currently it looks not very good at the east side :( What are you thinking guys ?

Post by chelonia | 2018-01-07 | 14:38:34

No worries, picking up speed dramatically, from 9.5 to 10.1kts already ... never go west of an island when prevailing winds are from the east ... overrrrrrrrrrr

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-07 | 14:46:02

no looks so good right now, yesterday was a great day for East pack, even for the middle pack they run 100nm more in 24h.

Post by chelonia | 2018-01-07 | 14:53:54

what wind? :-)

Post by Tarahumara_POR | 2018-01-07 | 16:43:38

I�m screwed ... I will be in Philipines while the west will have a nice beer..and lunch ... and dinner... in HK!! :(

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-07 | 21:29:26

EAST is looking bad: 244h to HK
WEST only needs 204h at the moment ...

and WEST is not even routing the short route they will take along between PNG and New Britain

polar bear is having bad trips in his wintersleep
(yeah, right, east-pack)

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-07 | 21:40:11

Post by zezo | 2018-01-07 | 21:39:10

It's still too early to tell who will make it first over the finish line. Two days in Solomon sea can bring some surprises, and the long route can get shorter.

Call me again in 3 days, or 5 or 6 when all packs meet again.

Post by karriv | 2018-01-07 | 22:38:26

The current forecast puts the Western group between HK and the Eastern group in four days = 16 weather updates. At that time, again with the current forecast, we'd be about 40 hours ahead.

I wouldn't make any conclusions till maybe after three days, as Cvetan said.

Post by WoKeN | 2018-01-07 | 21:40:00

Hands up who took the East route due to Zezo.org? Except the BIg Bird ;)

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-07 | 21:42:13

I think he instructed his router to give half the fleet the east option (and take the better west option for himself)

Post by zezo | 2018-01-07 | 21:44:49

I'd decided to go for Papua before the race started. Change of plan now, going in the middle, but it was my initial bet anyway.

It's just a lottery without the proper Sana Anna gate.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-07 | 21:50:11

VOR tracker don't show any gate o mark, I no hear nothing about, are you sure?

Post by zezo | 2018-01-07 | 21:53:00

Yes. There are no obvious sailing instructions on the VOR site this time, but I saw it in some official channel - probably the Twitter "race experts" account.

Santa Anna (SE-most of Solomons), Phillipinnes, and one more.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-07 | 22:04:36

Post by LumbaSLO | 2018-01-07 | 22:44:35

Sailing instructions for LEG 4.

http://www.volvooceanrace.com/static/assets/content_v2/media/files/m46394_si-leg-04-addendum-amdt-01-20171228.pdf

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-07 | 23:38:27

thanks...

Post by kewcom | 2018-01-07 | 22:14:17

My hand is half up.....when the split happened and many boats set off to the east (many simply followed Zezo routing) I decided to stick with the original plan.....the original plan was similar to my route now.......I even considered south of PNG fro a while and before that going around west australia! The latter thought of route did not last too long!!

Post by RST | 2018-01-08 | 00:10:33

3 days ago, i was around 40th on the west side, then the routing changed and i followed to early. I am not very experienced, that�s why i take it as a lesson ;) Stick on the plan and trust your feeling......

Post by MissAdventure | 2018-01-08 | 01:13:42

It's been fun watching Salt Dragon test "sailing over beach sand"....looks like his luck just ran out and he had to turn back after beaching near Gaduda, Southeastern New Guinea. Keep trying as the opportunities arise, renegade test pilot Salt Dragon!

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-08 | 05:36:38

Give him some credit was all in, westernmost boat in the west group. He navigated the tougher part on the southern peninsula and then stubbed his toe. Don't hate on the guy!

Post by MissAdventure | 2018-01-10 | 02:21:19

No "hate on" at all....renegade test pilot is a compliment and I appreciated his route! There is some question about the feasibility of routing over the beige sand; this was an interesting(and brave!) experiment worthy of admiration.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-08 | 02:08:40

poor Salt dragon, ;-)

Post by nsp | 2018-01-08 | 03:08:52

Very organized guy. While waiting for the tide, he even put the boom bag covering the main sail. Must be a girl!

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-08 | 03:13:09

hahaahaha,
take care to many girls sailing around.
;-)

Post by nsp | 2018-01-08 | 03:27:49

Nooooooooo...tell me where they are...I'll wait for the tide with them...lol

My boat will be mooring 1NM away though...

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-08 | 11:07:34

08-01
10:00am

Easter pack back on game ;-)

Post by Alex Wind | 2018-01-08 | 16:12:10

News from the east, Barnum made a little stop in a small island.
Its like a slide on a banana, it's fun when you see it, not when you live it :/
I see Toppen & Your Mom in the lead, Magina is just at the east. I follow with Tame Bird, Coconeuil & Indepencday. Someone know if there are other boats in the north?
Force to the east pack :D

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-08 | 17:07:41

I think Toppen, Mangina & Your Mon is leading this group, I�m just 2,5 nm behind... :D

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-08 | 17:10:21

Gushami is a couple miles ahead of me, and if someone wants to track a Far East boat, Rafal71 and Captain Sheep are still out there.

The dots would suggest there are others out there, further ahead. Hard to know which dots are real boat positions and which are things people checked experimentally (or nefariously).

East still doesn't look so good... but as previously discussed, we're still at least 3 days from having any confidence at all about which side is best.

Post by iedereen | 2018-01-08 | 20:10:37

i am about 5 miles behind Rafal71 still sticking to my original plan as NMS.

Post by Barnum | 2018-01-08 | 18:12:58

Moquez- vous !!!

Post by Flying Dutchman | 2018-01-08 | 17:30:39

Yes the red dots ahead? What's are those Cvetan? Can you tell? They are scattered all over ahead.

We keep up the spirit in the East!! Within less than a day we gained 40 hours on the West Pack..... still such a long way, a lottery for 2 days at least in my opinion.

Post by Flying Dutchman | 2018-01-08 | 17:33:42

@ Cvetan,
Just saw the other post about the dots:) Never mind, clear

By the way. Would it be possible to have the last post at the top of a topic page, iso at the bottom? Keep scrolling each time I visit :):)

Only playing this game (my first game after I use to play Donkey Kong on the Atari computer :):). But this is very addictive:) Especially with such a great router besides my old fashion weather charts.
Incredible job done Cvetan for such a computer-illiterate like me.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-08 | 20:09:12

I like the idea. ;-)

Post by bluefox1 | 2018-01-08 | 18:03:08

I was being brave and going east until the change. Then i started going for the tip of new guinea. After really fighting with this, I turned back to the east. Setting my route, I neeeded to move my curser left about 50 miles and I got the route back. I am so glad, and I feel good about going back to the east, please wish us all luck.
Bluefox1

Post by Toppen | 2018-01-08 | 18:20:30

Raketa is just East of me being slightly ahead of me and Your Mom

Post by Henkano | 2018-01-08 | 19:24:46

And I am abt 3 miles behind Your Mom and half a mile ahead of Sideshow

Post by bluefox1 | 2018-01-08 | 19:05:47

Post by Flying Dutchman | 2018-01-08 | 19:39:43

Wish you (us in the east) good winds:)

Post by GBR85 | 2018-01-08 | 19:43:23

Spare a thought for:
KML2235 going west around Aus - sailing at around 25 knots in 54,660th place and Tango Delta in 1st place going over the top of Aus. Good luck to them and for being different!

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-08 | 22:13:08

21:00

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-08 | 22:20:42

Only 27Nm difference.... will see who cross first the Equator line.
Lets go East pack we can make it.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-08 | 22:35:59

WTF the escort frigate is just be hinge east pack, I can't believe....

Post by upperdecker | 2018-01-08 | 22:54:46

i can't find any boats going up the west coast of Australia. can any of you send me a few boat names so I can follow them?

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-09 | 00:22:23

KLM2235 is one of the top boats in the world rankings and is going West of Australia. I don't know if anyone is going that way ahead of him, but it's unlikely that anyone is ahead by much.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-09 | 00:29:18

DR Contractor is with him., but far away.

Post by Cevast | 2018-01-09 | 07:25:23

Cevast X5 is approx 12h behind KLM2235

Post by nsp | 2018-01-09 | 09:09:34

And it is not totally impossible that he gives us all a lesson...it will be tough, but not impossible.

In this moment he is going up at 17 knots, will always have wind, and the biggest problems will be the lack of alternatives (not that big) and the poor VMG upwind, and maybe, maybe less wind in final part...still... it's not over for him.

Post by NickOlson | 2018-01-09 | 08:00:46

Some people in the west group doing a fair bit of head scratching at the moment I would say, particularly Tessa and XC Race.... there may be others, not sure who they are.

Post by WaterHammer | 2018-01-09 | 11:14:01

East or West of Latangai. West choice will scoop you away in maybe unwanted territory.

Post by upperdecker | 2018-01-09 | 11:25:51

East group now has the clear advantage....projected to ahead of everyone by a significant margin. We�ll see what happens.....

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-09 | 12:19:40

Hope your prediction will be right...
:-)

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-09 | 12:43:06

looks is fuck up...................ahhahah

Post by GBR85 | 2018-01-09 | 15:19:05

I am in the mid west about 4 1/2 hours behind Big Bird. But I might pay to jump over to the frigate if it goes bow forward any more! ;-)

Post by Ormetkruper | 2018-01-09 | 16:34:56

I do not know why they added the frigatte from leg 3. Its a legal form of cheating in my opinion.
Would never use it. If you screwed up you are screwed up.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-09 | 16:47:21

VR frogs wanna make some money....

Post by Lasse | 2018-01-09 | 12:58:35

Made a quick analysis for 6 different boats belonging to more or less different groups. Result:

1) Your Mom SA ETA 18/1 11.00
2) Big Bird ETA 18/1 17.00 (+6h)
3) stjobe ETA 18/1 21.00 (+10h)
4) n'Lasse (my boat) ETA 19/1 03.00 (+16h)
5) KLM2235 ETA 20/1 01.00 (+38h)
6) vivaneau ETA 21/1 05.00 (+66h)

Assumed Full Pack for all. Latest GRIB was t06z+57h when I started with the first boat. Checked my boat again when more GRIB files were available (t06z+186h) and then my boat got a 9h better estimate so it swings a lot.

Post by Lazy_Hikers_Finland | 2018-01-09 | 14:12:28

Isn't this VPOR (or actually VVPOR) so interesting !

I mean of course the Volvo Penta Ocean Race - all the little trawlers pushing on at 8 kts in the doldrums.

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-09 | 16:45:15

That would be great, I'm only 1h behind your mom ;)

Even without light and heavy sails ...

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-09 | 13:27:41

12:20

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-09 | 15:18:04

Today

Post by WoKeN | 2018-01-09 | 17:08:36

In the meantime in the real world Vestas is sailing at a blistering speed of 0.7 nm and Mapfre 1.3 nm...(timed at 13:54 09/01)

Post by eljot | 2018-01-09 | 17:45:35

because they do not use ZEZO ;)

Post by jonvetle | 2018-01-09 | 18:23:09

Raketa: 17.1 23:00 (Your Mom group, Sideshow ++)
Arctic sea: 18.1 01:00 (in between east and west)
iona29: 18.1 10:00
Tessa94: 18.1 11:00 (+ Big Bird and lots more)

It's close! And it will probably shift a couple of more times...

Post by LumbaSLO | 2018-01-09 | 18:31:32

Toppen is in East pack just infront of Your Mom SA...Gushami is leading this group as far as i know.

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-09 | 18:37:03

For now.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-09 | 18:47:48

The hunt for Gushami.......

Post by Phorgeron62 | 2018-01-10 | 11:04:54

I'm working on it...as some others do as well.

Post by jonvetle | 2018-01-09 | 18:58:25

Sorry, I think I got some of the sweedes mixed up :)

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-09 | 19:30:39

URL2L8 say bye bye to Cvetan......

Post by zezo | 2018-01-09 | 20:26:54

Not yet ;-)

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-09 | 20:29:52

now that would have been a great moment to go stealth, before the tack I mean ;)

Post by upperdecker | 2018-01-09 | 20:37:01

ugh.....i hope the forecast changes. if not, Cvetan and I are going to be watching those Easties cruise into the finish line 100 miles in front of us

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-09 | 21:00:38

leave the forecast like that :D

Post by Irish Temper | 2018-01-09 | 22:23:27

yes, please do!! Go Easties!!

Post by lorenzo | 2018-01-09 | 22:34:53

Cvetan, I was betting you were going to tack.
No sailor really want to be in a channel with no other option than follow it

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-10 | 01:39:39

That's what I felt when I checked that option this morning. I just felt wrong, and I am no sailor in real life.

Post by Lasse | 2018-01-10 | 00:20:44

New analysis says I'm only 4.5h after Your Mom SA now! Previous analysis said 16h!! :-D

Post by salt dragon | 2018-01-10 | 00:33:11

Many thanks to MissAdventure, Stormbringer and a few others for their encouragement. New to virtual sailing. Did not expect my attempts in coastal navigation to get exposed so openly.

Yes, got stuck near Gaduda although VR showed at the highest zoom level a clear dotted line through the gap. Also, in the narrow channel before, the virtual boat did some unsettling sideways jumps - presumably triggered by server-side updates. Was wondering whether one could get permanently stuck bouncing between the sides of the narrow channel when trying to reverse after being put onshore by one of those game induced sideways jumps.

Should have stayed 1000 miles east in the open ocean - unless the game features virtual hazards such as drifting containers. Good luck to all of you out there.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-10 | 00:51:35

Don't get so fed up with us, is just a joke....shits happens some times, maybe we�ll be the next grounded boat and you can laugh about it.
This kind of post is for keep alive this topic and no only to write technical/tactical stuff.
You are doing so well, keep pushing.

Post by salt dragon | 2018-01-10 | 01:24:20

Ah - I see that my comment was ambiguous. It was meant in a very positive way, expressing my appreciation for the encouraging feedback. No hard feelings whatsoever. I did like the picture of the boat on the rocks ... had a laugh and nearly sent a picture of the real Salt Dragon.

PS: wish I could push the boat now as there is little wind around

Post by zezo | 2018-01-10 | 07:59:14

It should have been possible to pass between those islands, with some luck or the use of waypoints (or careful timing while observing the server-side position reports, so you could get the correct update minute)

Post by salt dragon | 2018-01-10 | 13:47:30

Zezo, many thanks for the insider advice. I did line up the boat so that I was at a right angle to the gap, checked left/right for headings that had no grounding warnings and then set it to fixed heading that was in the middle of the possible options.

I think I do understand your advice of using a waypoint just on the other side. Will try that next time. I presume this is linked to the way the game advances boat positions.

To be honest, I do not understand the bit about better timing. Any chance of elaborating on this? I know what you mean with server side position reports but not know how to translate that into a safer crossing.

Post by zezo | 2018-01-10 | 15:35:37

I'll start separate thread later so it does not get lost in the noise.

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-10 | 01:48:41

LOL :-D

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-10 | 04:25:03

I believe patmaillou may have suffered a breakdown.

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-10 | 04:52:05

Oh, man... I lose sleep worrying about waking up to discover that kind of mess in the morning.

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-10 | 07:28:56

Oh man is right he's still going east.

Had that happen a bit yesterday morning, woke up and saw that I was clearing the last Solomon Island and then rushed to work without checking zezo. I rounded up and you guys all went straight, now I'm about 10 miles to windward and astern when I should be right up with you.

Post by Research FlatEarth | 2018-01-10 | 11:34:19

With all of this shifts in the islands sometimes is better to fall asleep and wake up just in right spot.
Go west....

Post by Inicio | 2018-01-10 | 11:37:32

I got into the corridor west of Latangai, and I still don't know whether going through the east passage of New Hanover or going with fewer scares in the West ...
The difficult route seems faster ... but I need to sleep!

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-10 | 12:58:02

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-10 | 13:00:51

Gushami to Captain Sheep 97.4Nm

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-10 | 13:21:40

12:00

00:00

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-10 | 15:22:02

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-10 | 18:01:23

I don't see how that's possible east group looks cooked to me but I hope you're right.

Post by nsp | 2018-01-10 | 18:45:14

East group cooked? really? Can you count how many blue lines you see in each picture?
After that you still think east is cooked?
maybe some thick glasses hehehehehhe

For now its favorable to east. But we will see...everything can change :)

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-10 | 19:55:23

I don't need glasses, I can just see things before you can. West is back to being favored now.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-11 | 00:43:26

Post by nsp | 2018-01-11 | 01:25:18

Nahhhhhh no reason for fight at all.. I was being funny with you ..laughed and smiled even ..maybe you didn't see or couldn't read. And need those glasses after all.

LOL

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-11 | 01:32:35

ahahahahaha

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-11 | 02:00:38

Not fighting, merely stating facts! Good luck!

Post by nsp | 2018-01-11 | 05:06:40

Post by Xeelee | 2018-01-10 | 16:31:20

It's really boring to crawl along in the doldrums... The noise of the Volvo Penta vibrating through the carbon fabric
all the time isn't really nice either ;-)

Maybe the option to go the other way round like KLM2235 would have been more fun. He's currently reaching at 21 kts.
Even if his ETA is still a bit behind.. who knows, sometimes weather predictions are unpredictable ;-)

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-10 | 16:56:10

KLM2235 will soon have to fire up his engine ;)

Post by KLM2235 | 2018-01-10 | 17:25:24

Too much loud ! Has anybody some oars for rent ?

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-10 | 19:47:21

I meant for cruising straight through the dolldrums at 7 kts ...

Post by zezo | 2018-01-10 | 18:04:50

The route flopped again, with 24 hours preference for the other pack this time. It feels like in the end the two packs will merge within 1 hour of each other.

Post by marcusbelgicus | 2018-01-10 | 19:33:36

There will be 1 second between the winning boat (from West) and the 2nd, from East... lol

Post by Flying Dutchman | 2018-01-10 | 18:17:02

A feeling Cvetan??:) Or are you keeping your fingers crossed for luck:)
Or you know more as the computer expert.....?

Post by zezo | 2018-01-10 | 19:18:50

Call it wishful thinking, but with +/- 24 hour swings every 6 hour or so it cancels out to zero in the end ;-)

Post by Flying Dutchman | 2018-01-10 | 20:20:12

lets hope so hahahaha. At the moment it's like roulette..... at least another day before it will show more reliable I bet hahahahaha

Post by upperdecker | 2018-01-10 | 18:34:29

wow. massive swing in the projected forecast! LETS GO WESTIES!

Post by nsp | 2018-01-10 | 18:47:52

LOL what massive swing????
Don't let them distract you. Go (B)EASTIES!!!!!

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-10 | 18:50:11

hahahahaha
Westies keyboard ...

Post by nsp | 2018-01-11 | 01:27:00

ROFLOL

Post by Research FlatEarth | 2018-01-10 | 19:45:04

This leg is like bad relationship, for 12h I love everybody and then next 12h I want to break anything.
Go West...!!

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-10 | 19:48:33

ahahhahahahah

Post by ujami-JK-Ada | 2018-01-10 | 19:50:26

west route wins always on important wheather updates. if you didnt noticed..

Post by zezo | 2018-01-10 | 21:37:02

It's true in real world, but we happen to sail on the other updates half the time.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-10 | 20:11:06

In the last grip West is 24H forward.
but

Post by Luiz | 2018-01-10 | 20:34:50

I think the forecast has a plan. Give hope to different groups each 12/24 hours ... 18h ahead, 18h behind, I'll stop worrying about. Nothing to do for now to change this (except nonsense, have to take care of it ...). I'll just follow my plan and enjoy.

Good winds to Westies, Easties and other sailors scattered throughout the Pacific (and Bismark, Arafura Sea, Indian...)

Regards,

Luiz @ Mizaza 1.

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-10 | 20:37:21

Keep in mind that a big part of the volatility is that whenever boats start getting into the real, consistent breeze, they'll immediately jump into a "rich getting much richer really fast" mode. Fortunes will continue to change massively with each forecast for those who haven't hit the trade winds yet, but they'll stabilize a lot once you hit the consistent breeze.

The bad news for anyone who turns out to be in the wrong group is that once the leaders of another group launches, you'll probably never catch them.

But the good news is... fortunes will still continue to change wildly for the rest of that group, until they get to the good wind. Each group is going to get really strung out as they encounter the good wind. So... don't despair if your group isn't the right group. Just get to the good wind as fast as you can. You might be several hours behind the leg winner, but you might still beat whoever was 10th in that person's group. Don't assume the top 1,000 finishers (or even the top 100) will all be from the same group.

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-11 | 01:42:24

Thanks for this analysis! And good luck!

May the best and luckiest son of a b*tc* win ;-)

Post by karriv | 2018-01-10 | 21:12:11

In this kind of a situation, best to keep in mind the old wisdom about concentrating on winning your side... Not much you can do about the other groups.

On a separate note, DTF seems to correlate well with a boat's distance from HK. Except for KLM2235 (et al, supposedly), where there seems to be a delta of about 300 miles.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-10 | 21:13:13

Post by Bigamist2241 | 2018-01-10 | 22:50:25

I can mistaken, but I would swear that it seems that both 2D and 3D displays are showing less and less boats each leg, and every single day.
I'm on East group (a little far back) which is the most crowded, but I can only see Your Mom everytime and one or two more that sometimes appear, plus 2 or 3 friends.
I have no way to measure my behaviour.

Post by Research FlatEarth | 2018-01-10 | 23:11:40

Make a friend who ever is intresting for you to track. Make at least 20 of better vsr sailors your frends so you can always see what they up to.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-11 | 00:05:58

East pack skyline.

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-11 | 00:42:29

Ursus Maritimus a little under 1h behind Mangina PYR and the breeze is pickin' up ...

Fear though westeners, fear !

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-11 | 02:01:30

Hey c'mon where am I?

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-11 | 02:08:15

I got you now...
tomorrow will show up Stormbringer

Post by nsp | 2018-01-11 | 02:25:12

pffffff i'm not there....

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-11 | 02:33:21

ahahaha

Post by nsp | 2018-01-11 | 03:31:12

Busted!!! Anyway as I am against this idiot long periods of stealthing and the tactical move was hours ago. And can't cancel it and only will expire in 17 hours. I'll tell you where I am. Almost West of the head of eastern pack a bit behind Gushami and Raketa. In ranking 1200 ahead of Toppen and 1600 ahead of Mom (that's the most delicious part :P
(of course it means nothing...lol)

Post by Bigamist2241 | 2018-01-11 | 03:39:01

Thanks a lot!
I'm a bit under, nearly 4 hours behind, trying to keep up front group's pace, but an easy task.
But it helps to know if I'm not in the wrong direction, at least.

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-11 | 01:47:30

It's beyond me why VR don't use the same gates that the real VOR has.
Laziness from their side I suppose. But that is the main reason why we have this type of lottery situation. It's no longer the best sailor that will win. It's the best sailor among the luckiest sailors that will win.

Post by tmod | 2018-01-11 | 01:52:53

Sounds like an �Eastern Boat�😎

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-11 | 02:04:20

Nope, I am in the Western group (or middle group). Zezo is just behind me, and I have Tessa in front of me. Right now it looks like we are ahead. But yesterday we looked to be behind.
But regardless I believe in a far game. The real VOR has a fair game. We don't. Luck should not be the main factor to get a good position. Skills should be the main factor.

Post by tmod | 2018-01-11 | 03:11:23

The more distance races you do in real life,the more that you realize that it is a combination of skills and luck that
Win races. The last couple of Sydney Hobart races are a prime example.i will take skill over luck every time, but
If it wern�t For the luck factor, racing would be too predictable and therefore not much fun!

Post by nsp | 2018-01-11 | 03:35:35

80% skill 20% of luck tending to less percentage in luck, in real races nowadays.

By the way you agree that Wild Oats deserved the penalty, right? I think if Spithil hadn't ease the helm to starboard we would have seen 2 100footers performing a kammasutra position.

And it was a big "ease" by the way.

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-11 | 22:12:41

Yeah, I think that was a fair decision by the jury.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-11 | 02:13:05

Is ridiculous, the virtual game no follow the race course, in my opinion is big mistake.

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-11 | 05:00:02

If you don't like it now, wait until tomorrow when KLM2235 is at the top of the leaderboard, having gone the "wrong way" around Australia. :-)

I don't mind the randomness of it. It would bother me if every race was like that, but if you do enough races, you get tired of trying to optimize your route along a traditional path. Non-traditional routings become far more interesting.

There's some similar randomness in the real life race anyway, which can't be replicated in the virtual race. In here, we get the GFS winds (rounded up to 4 kts). In real life, they're getting thunderstorms that produce temporary localized winds that don't exist in the GFS models, etc. Just today, TToP was looking great and moving fast, only to watch boats pass them on both sides when they fell in a wind hole.

Post by nsp | 2018-01-11 | 05:13:01

I told him (kLM2235) the same earlier ...in his position, at 23 knots with a depression forming in front of Singapour to help him climb and always with a lot more wind and only a not that good vmg (but good wind) in the final part, with the shortest route...as I wrote 2 days ago he might teach us all a lesson and finish in a rocket time..

He says not..that the winner will come from the "eastern group".

We'll see...

One more thing though Mom, in here you don't get past by either side in a pack unless you are a total noob. There is no such event that replicates a wheather event in a real race when you are in a 10 mile radius from other boats..and I am being conservative.. becuase i even would say 15nm or more in certain conditions

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-11 | 06:18:45

I agree. The TToP I was referring to is one of the real boats. My point is that the real boats experience randomness that can't be replicated here. So opening up our race course to have some randomness, in some ways, offsets that.

It'll be very interesting to see what happens for KLM once he needs to go upwind through the South China Sea.

Post by nsp | 2018-01-11 | 11:29:15

I understood :) TTOP is the only boat with my national flag :)

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-11 | 06:21:29

The thing is, most everyone doing these online races are sailors in real life, or at least they come to this game somehow from real world sailing.

If the game were being marketed to online gamers without real sailing experience, then the randomness of which route would produce the winner could make more sense, or at least be somewhat excusable.

But we all know the real life gates and the sailing instructions that the real boats have to follow. This game should replicate those conditions. As it is, VR isn't catering to their true customer base.

Of course we all just put up with it and keep coming back for more and bitching about it on Cvetan's forum.

Thanks Cvetan!

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-11 | 06:34:07

Captain Sheep's position just got more interesting. I haven't run people's ETA's, but it looks like he'll have the most wind of anyone approaching the equator for the next few hours.

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-11 | 06:48:00

eastern group wind report:
7 kts wind, increasing to 8.4 in just 2h, hop on the steam train to HK !

Post by NickOlson | 2018-01-11 | 08:28:06

I think they need a bullet train.....

Post by NickOlson | 2018-01-11 | 08:22:00

Western group has just had an interesting update. Very light winds in the actual GFS run mean have given an unstable direction, but luckily we still get 4 knots in the game.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-11 | 10:45:31

Congratulations to Toppen to cross equator line in first...if I not wrong.

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-11 | 15:30:10

Darn. I was asleep and was thinking when I woke up that maybe I had been first. Well done, Toppen! See you at the bar.

Post by Toppen | 2018-01-11 | 15:44:10

Thanks guys! Feels great to lead the group that most likely will be last to HK ;)

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-11 | 16:17:19

Yeap, KLM airlines is flying away....

Post by Lasse | 2018-01-11 | 16:42:18

Fast track coming from the right...

Post by Irish Temper | 2018-01-11 | 16:43:23

Come on... I have faith in us Easties. Time to strap on the big boy pants and send it all the way to HK!

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-11 | 17:24:32

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-12 | 01:05:45

VR should get themselves a couple of decent Aircraft Carriers !!

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-11 | 17:24:39

Latest news from Virtual regatta.

Post by WoKeN | 2018-01-11 | 18:27:58

Friggin Frigates

Post by nsp | 2018-01-11 | 23:56:50

I guess KLM is going to make the worst mistake he could do in this race and he is going to lose the race because of it...

It is the probably the only moment in the race that he can't follow Zezo..and he's doing it.

Post by Daidalos | 2018-01-12 | 00:07:12

First navigate through the little islands. See if he is online.

But he won't win, the easties are in stronger winds soon. Westies a bit later. And far more bettter angles.

Post by charfa | 2018-01-12 | 01:08:29

Oooh, router cuts off at 110E, that's unfortunate :/

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-12 | 01:04:46

just gained 370nm on KLM2235 in 2 minutes !

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-12 | 01:45:31

en lost them again ...

Post by Wightcrusader | 2018-01-12 | 01:10:12

Interesting to read the debate and discussion about East V West V the wrong way round. I am doing the same course on Liveskipper on an unofficial Volvo Race and I often look at Zezo for long range forecasts. I also use the router for guidance. The router is of limited use due to the fact that I am sailing an IMOCA 60 which has similar but not identical polars. Following Zezo has screwed up my plans for 2 reasons in the last 5 days (all my own fault). Firstly the VORG minimum 4 knot wind wind has lead me astray as going west through the Solomons has produced plenty of drifting with winds at 0.7 to 2 knots. This has been compounded by the fact that my IMOCA is also significantly slower in light winds that a VO65.

Interestingly, in the real world (with winds under 4 knots), it looked like the east was going to win out, but now that seems to have changed with the east having suffered with seriously light winds for the last 36 hours (which were not forecast 4 days out).

For us the jury is still out as to who will come out on top, but the 4 guys going the wrong way round Australia are probably best placed and Zezo has them getting to HK 10 hours in front of the West group.

The best thing about Liveskipper is the level playing field and no options, packs, cards foils, or payment. I did the last 2 VORGs but took one look at the 2017 version and decided against it. Hi to anyone who remembers Wightcrusader from previous races. Fair winds to all. Matt

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-12 | 02:32:38

VLM with VOR polars

Post by Stuart C | 2018-01-12 | 02:58:01

Yes, looking like us rebels will lose out in the end. We were looking much better 12 hours ago. I think the next 48 hours will be the deciding factor. But really poor effort from VORG, much the same as the last leg. No ice boundaries, no gates this leg, the game has nothing to do with the actual race. Mind, neither have the boats and the options they have given us. VOR is equal boats, same course. VORG is like a lottery, more spend does not equal better results. Rant over.

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-12 | 15:09:55

East is cooked, so annoying, like losing to a race car that's on a different track.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-12 | 15:15:25

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-12 | 16:00:10

East is cooked in terms of the leg win, but the door is closing on the boats behind Tessa, and East can still beat all of the other groups, so there's plenty to race for. I have no idea how many in Tessa's group have escaped the doldrums yet. Perhaps not many.

I have a rough list of lead boats from each of the various routing options. Here they are, from West to East:

Aspiln
SKOVSER
momcilo
iona29
LJadra
Tessa
magool / Arctic Sea
Toppen
Captain Sheep

Let's see which group comes in second to Tessa's.

Groups are starting to consolidate. Captain Sheep is dropping into line behind Toppen's group, and LJadra is dropping into line behind Tessa's group. So soon, we'll be down from 9 groups to 7.

Post by gushami | 2018-01-13 | 00:05:22

I would add Arctic sea to that list, replacing Pinkbits.

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-13 | 00:55:35

Good call. I revised the above list to have Arctic Sea and magool (who I also became aware of in the meantime)

Post by sudoeste | 2018-01-13 | 02:41:15

I think you should put SailCascais ahead do LJadra, aswell

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-13 | 05:40:58

Good catch, but moot now because the group has been passed by Tessa's group.

Post by nsp | 2018-01-14 | 20:36:18

Mom I got what you said about Captain Sheep and agree, but wouldn't forget about some boats going a bit upper than eastern pack like n'Lasse.

I am not in his position and I didn't call it either, having been in a far worse position than now, going one knot faster than the pack leader in this moment.

Post by marcusbelgicus | 2018-01-13 | 10:40:22

Good catch YouMom. There must be a boat North-East of where I am, much more North than Tessa, because I regularly see a 'red dot'; that might be the surprise of the chef... If real, his position is even better than Tessa's one.

Post by WoKeN | 2018-01-13 | 13:35:32

This is only the zezo flottila, in theory there might be another skipper who has never heard of Z

Post by WoKeN | 2018-01-13 | 13:36:55

Note that this is only the zezo flottila, in theory there might be another skipper who has never heard of zezo who's not on the dotted chart.

Post by Ultimate Victory | 2018-01-13 | 13:46:33

XC Race may be that one

Post by Daidalos | 2018-01-13 | 13:52:01

I think so, he's in a very good position.

Post by marcusbelgicus | 2018-01-13 | 14:36:02

It is not XC Race, who is doing very well btw (should have taken north as well, as we were almost together a couple of days ago), the other dot is about 3 hours north of my position. That boat was already much more north when we crossed the doldrums.
And it is not another flying belgian!!!
It is a shame we don't have the entire ranking of boats, and with how much positions have been gained since the last position update, as it was the case maybe 6 years ago.

Post by Ultimate Victory | 2018-01-13 | 14:42:01

you are right. There is one 80NM in my north.

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-13 | 19:09:18

Same exact thing happened to me in the east group. Zezo was trying to send me north and I was like, um finish line is like at 285?

That's right about when Mom rolled right over the top of me.

Post by arthurdayne | 2018-01-13 | 18:21:29

I am in the same option as Ljadra (ahead) and we are loosing, much lower speed wind since 2 days...

Post by bndtrm2611 | 2018-01-12 | 16:28:08

I am not so convinced that the mid group just to the west of east group is cooked. Going to be and interesting drag race and just how far north provides leverage.

What is disappointing is the present first place boat that with out course marks went west along the coast.

No complaint about taking advantage, but the game has been dumbed down at bit.

Post by WaterHammer | 2018-01-12 | 17:11:51

Trying to get over the Ngatik atol. It looks like high tide on the game map. Hopefully the collision map is not more to reality.

Post by WaterHammer | 2018-01-12 | 17:41:23

It went all right. What you see (the game map) is apparently what you get. In this case no running aground without ground.

Post by chelonia | 2018-01-13 | 15:05:49

many of them are fata dotana�s

Post by KLM2235 | 2018-01-14 | 01:29:47

At the moment, the different ETA are approx. :
- XC Race : 18/01 0H30
- iona29 : 18/01 2H30
- Your Mom SA : 18/01 11H30
- aspiln : 19/01 0H00
- Klm2235 : 19/01 5H00
Not sure to have taken into account the leader of each group, but it gives an idea

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-14 | 02:31:47

Within a day, Tessa and XC Race should be in the Top 50, at which point at least we'll know whether or not anyone is ahead of them in that group.

Post by Daidalos | 2018-01-14 | 04:07:24

Ooehh. aspiln. Well done. Although I think the game should follow the rules of the real race.

Post by YourMomSA | 2018-01-14 | 16:29:07

Tessa94 is 51st and XC Race is 52nd and I'm pretty sure the top 50 are all West of PNG, so I think we know now that no one is ahead of them on the East side of PNG.

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-14 | 16:55:39

have you got any idea how big the group is that is trailing you?
I'm about 1.5 h behind and stuck around 1400th now

Ursus Maritimus

Current top 50 all seem to have rounded Austrila clockwise. Dont think all of them will make it to top50 though

Post by marcusbelgicus | 2018-01-14 | 17:19:25

If there is someone, he is much more north so might be after us. Or between Rostef and myself as I am 55th atm. But he will start to benefit soon from much stronger winds.

Post by WoKeN | 2018-01-14 | 17:14:07

"Karlopsomer" is approx 10nm ahead of Mommy.

Post by user1234 | 2018-01-14 | 23:53:05

001122 came trough the 4kn "doldrums" similar route with tessa and is now positioned roughly 50 miles ahead of east group.

Post by KLM2235 | 2018-01-14 | 18:45:46

ETA at 14/01 01:30 vs 14/01 17:30
XC Race 18/01 00H30 vs 17/01 23:00
iona29 18/01 02H30 vs 18/01 00H30
YourMom 18/01 11H30 vs 18/01 11:00
aspiln 19/01 00H00 vs 18/01 23:30
Klm2235 19/01 05H00 vs 18/01 22:30

Post by lightman | 2018-01-15 | 00:11:26

"Lightman" 6 miles south of Ursus Maritimus
currently 1450

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-15 | 12:15:50

12h behind for the east group and that won't improve anymore I'm afraid. this better be over

Post by Henkano | 2018-01-15 | 13:25:56

Amen

Post by Stormbringer | 2018-01-15 | 21:58:45

Check out iona29!

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-15 | 22:26:35

Fuck that...even this group is passing forward...

Post by Ursus Maritimus | 2018-01-16 | 09:46:14

let's focus on the race again instead of feading the troll. or is the race that boring?

big windshift the next 24 hours towards HK and DTL shrinking

Post by nsp | 2018-01-16 | 13:28:38

Unfortunatelly I don't see it shrinking Mike.

And we are all going to have to make some gybes because of that windshift. and they are already there :(

Fortunatelly on the other hand after the first guys there will be a mix between the guys of all the previous groups, so there is still something to fight for. After the gap for the first pack people are too close.

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-18 | 02:43:42

Yes... West is the Best!!! ;-)

However, I really need some help how to think during the last few hours of the race. That's a different race all together. How do I beat the router? :-)
One position lost probably due to too late sail change after the last "corner". But I lost another position because the other player was simply smarter or more experienced. What do I need to study?

Post by nsp | 2018-01-18 | 02:52:21

maybe changing to a slower sail to slow before a corner and turn in the right spot ;P or get a penalty or something....
Mathematics....Geometry...algebra...navigation...sailing...trolling :)))

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-18 | 03:01:07

plus some abracadabra and hocus pocus
;-)

I actually used waypoints to do the turn. I think that was probably correct if it wouldn't be for that sail change that I totally missed first. I did it eventually but probably lost one position.

Post by Trailaspress | 2018-01-18 | 09:02:46

Congrats URL8 and west pack guys. see you in the next leg.

Post by marcusbelgicus | 2018-01-18 | 19:28:34

Use waypoint to change direction give 2 penalties unless this bug has been corrected in the last upgrade.

Post by arthurdayne | 2018-01-18 | 23:16:29

really???? penalties with way point? without or with jibing?

Post by marcusbelgicus | 2018-01-18 | 23:47:24

Yes, at the waypoint, the boat take opposite direction then back in normal direction. It happened to Mangina on this leg and Tessa/Bra Kacette on clipper leg. I can post a picture of the problem here, but I don't know how to post a picture.

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-19 | 00:09:01

I have seen it a couple of times but it was only a visual thing. Keep cool, refresh VR and the boat is going straight again. Also verified with the dashboard that no distance was lost

Post by nsp | 2018-01-19 | 03:35:28

The 180� turn's consequences are repported in dasboard. It's not a fake or visual bug. :(

Post by UR2L8 | 2018-01-19 | 00:12:26

You can't upload pictures
Only link.
Use [img ] your link [/img ]
Remove the spaces after img