Yachting: Enjoying a Field-day on oceans of world

By JULIE ASH

As he takes a moment to bask in the warm weather and watch the sun set over the ocean, it is easy to understand Ross Field's love of sailing.

The syndicate head of round-the-world yacht News Corp, 52-year-old Field has already sailed around the globe four times.

He skippered Yamaha to success in 1993-94 and was watch captain on Sir Peter Blake's Steinlager 2, winner in 1989-90.

"It wasn't in my original plan to be on board this time," he said.

"Many people have asked why I didn't give up after Steinlager II and Yamaha, but I really enjoy sailing, and I have the passion to win this event.

"I love the Southern Ocean and the wild ride, but I would say this will be my last round- the-world event."

He said this year's fleet, although small, was probably the most competitive in the history of the event.

"To win this would be the pinnacle of my career."

Field is the navigator on News Corp, which is in the leading bunch with illbruck and ASSA Abloy.

Tyco and Amer Sports One follow, ahead of SEB, djuice and Amer Sport Too.

On their 1000-mile stretch to the Isla de Trinidade, the fleet will encounter medium reaching conditions over the next few days.

"The first leg is tricky tactically because you have such a variety of winds," Field said.

"Leaving England you can get anything. Then there are the trade winds, the Doldrums, and picking a track into Cape Town is always hard.

"illbruck are the yardstick for everyone. They have been preparing for four years for this race.

"They made a move early in the piece and had a good run through the Doldrums."

Most of the fleet carried out special initiation ceremonies while crossing the equator a few days ago.

Field's Bruce Farr-designed yacht was built at Cookson's in Auckland, where the crew spent time testing new sails assisted by designers from America's Cup winners.

'We have broken a bit of gear," Field said.

"We have blown out one of our sails and had a few minor problems with the rig.

"But the highest wind we have seen is 35 knots, which was only for a short period of time."

The leading yachts are expected to enjoy settled conditions as they race toward Cape Town and the end of the first leg.

The first yachts are estimated to arrive on October 23.