EDS Atlantic Challenge

7/22/01 Daily Routing Analysis of EDS Atlantic Challenge

We apply our "Force 4" routing software to evaluate possible routes for the competitors in the EDS Atlantic Challenge. The software utilizes boat polars and a 10-day MRF wind forecast to predict boat speeds at various times and locations, and then searches for the fastest possible route. This is always shown in red, and alternative routes in other colors (corresponding times and distances are color-coded). The alternative courses do not represent "second best" or "third best" solutions, but are constrained initially to various sectors relative to the rhumbline (e.g., to far right).

Below is the routing solution for Sill Plein Fruit, from its reported postion "4" at 1400 UTC on 7/22 to a point "8" approaching the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. Precise routing is critical here, with a difference of almost 18 hours between two courses (red and blue) each fairly close to the rhumbline. Winds shown are as predicted at the time of the position report.

Below the same solution is shown 48 hours later, at 1400 on 7/24, at which time the "boats" have reached the positions shown by the black dots on each colored route. Distances to the destination point for each are shown in the far right column of the "Best Course Comparisons" box. Note change in wind at that time.

Below is the routing solution for Gartmore, from its reported postion "6" at 1400 UTC on 7/22. It has relatively little to gain by route selection, and its best route puts it almost 15 hours behind Sill Plein Fruit.

Below the same solution is shown 48 hours later, at 1400 on 7/24, at which time the "boats" have reached the positions shown by the black dots. Note that winds have decreased along its route during that period.

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