Sydney Hobart - Where is Law Connect?
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS 26 Dec 2021 11:07 PST
Law Connect's bowman at work at the base of that massive prodder © Bow Caddy Media
Where is Law Connect, and why are they not corresponding?
At just after 0500hrs AEDT, Hobart Race Control, JBW and then even Young Endeavour were all trying to raise Law Connect. Their tracker is no longer working, either. Eventually HRC even asked Black Jack via YE if she could eyeball Law Connect.
There are sat phones on Law Connect as well, so it would seem that all comms are down, for HRC would not be going to such measures otherwise.
This is playing out now, and we will follow it. Naturally we hope that it is all about electrical issues, and all will be revealed soon enough.
Post 0700hrs AEDT: Indeed poor comms is hampering a lot of things, which is even more critical as the leaders need to make tie declarations for jumping off from Green Cape. HRC received Law Connect's dec via text. Position has been received via relay, and it all shows just how hard the entire team is working to keep on top of the situation.
High humidity, rain and storms over the last while will all have played their part in making it difficult.
Often inside the boat during this sort of weather it can resemble the conditions outside. High humidity, a bilge full of water sloshing around everywhere, and a fine salt water mist that permeates everything - especially electronics. Harsh environment in anyone's terms... And did we mention it is moving – constantly. (and violently).