Peter von Seestermühe
The 29.49 meter long "Leopard of London" was the first yacht to finish the Atlantik Rally for Cruisers. The Reichel / Pugh design with skipper John Davis reached the destination in St. Lucin after 12 days and 1 hour. Last year's record of 11 days and 13 hours was not in jeopardy.
Most of the yachts are still on the move, including the "Peter von Seestermühe". Owner Christoph von Reibnitz gives a status report on board via satellite phone:
"We are 570 miles from the finish about 70th place. That is not bad for our 18-meter classic yawl. Because it is not exactly a light wind racer. And we have not had much wind so far. Our etmale were between 120 and 150 miles.
Today glasses fell from the table for the first time when there was a little more wind. And we did 180 to 200 miles. Otherwise everything is very relaxed on this crossing. We play a lot of chess on deck without the pieces slipping. The spinnaker has been up since day one.
We were only caught once by one of those infamous rain squalls at 25 knots. Only yesterday I lifted the bread rationing that I introduced shortly after the start because things were going so slowly.
A few days ago it was a bit hectic when the "Kings Legend" called for help. Somebody broke their elbow. They needed diesel for some reason. And according to the first position, they were only ten miles south of us.
We had already pointed in their direction, then the command came back. Your original position was wrong. You were 70 miles away and you were getting help from another yacht. We look forward to St. Lucia. From there we will explore the Caribbean for a few days and in time for the award ceremony on December 18th. be back again."
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