by Daniel Ferrando
Ericsson 4 is due to arrive in Cape Town, Sunday morning, 2nd November, the first boat to finish the opening leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-9 from Alicante to Cape Town.
The Swedish flagged boat, skippered by Brazilian Torben Grael, will have completed the 6,500-mile leg in 21 days. On Wednesday they broke a world speed record by completing 602.66 miles in 24 hours.
Ericsson Racing Team
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Volvo Ocean Race 2008-9: Latest Images from Leg One
Dave Endean and Joao Signorini celebrate on Ericsson 4 as they set a new 24 hour record. Image copyright Guy Salter/Ericsson 4/Volvo Ocean Race.
Telefonica Blue in rough seas on leg 1 of the Volvo Ocean Race. Image copyright Gabriele Olivo/Equipo Telefonica/Volvo Ocean Race.
Sail changes onboard Telefonica Blue, on leg 1 of the Volvo Ocean Race. Image copyright Gabriele Olivo/Equipo Telefonica/Volvo Ocean Race.
Delta Lloyd hit the Southern Ocean on their run to Cape Town during leg 1 of the Volvo Ocean Race. Image copyright Sander Pluijm/Team Delta Lloyd/Volvo Ocean Race. Image 1 of 3.
Delta Lloyd hit the Southern Ocean on their run to Cape Town during leg 1 of the Volvo Ocean Race. Image copyright Sander Pluijm/Team Delta Lloyd/Volvo Ocean Race. Image 2 of 3.
Delta Lloyd hit the Southern Ocean on their run to Cape Town during leg 1 of the Volvo Ocean Race. Image copyright Sander Pluijm/Team Delta Lloyd/Volvo Ocean Race. Image 3 of 3.
Chris Nicholson driving PUMA Ocean Racing's il mostro at dusk, on leg 1 of the Volvo Ocean Race. Image copyright Rick Deppe/PUMA Ocean Racing/Volvo Ocean Race.
Casey Smith driving il mostro at 20 knots, on leg 1 of the Volvo Ocean Race. Image copyright Rick Deppe/PUMA Ocean Racing/Volvo Ocean Race.
Rob Salthouse (aka Salty) writes home to his family, on leg 1 of the Volvo Ocean Race, from on board il mostro. Image copyright Rick Deppe/PUMA Ocean Racing/Volvo Ocean Race.
PUMA Ocean Racing in rough seas heading towards Cape Town, on leg 1 of the Volvo Ocean Race. Image copyright Rick Deppe/PUMA Ocean Racing/Volvo Ocean Race.
Team Russia in rough weather as they hit the low pressure wind currents on the home straight to Cape Town, on leg 1 of the Volvo Ocean Race. Image copyright Mark Covell/Team Russia/Volvo Ocean Race.
The crew of Telefonica Black check the damage on their bow from when their boat hit a hue wave, shredding sails, losing a rudder, wiping off the bowsprit and breaking one of their daggerboards. Image copyright Mikel Pasabant/Equipo Telefonica/Volvo Ocean Race.
Santiago Lange onboard Telefonica Black. Having already shredded four sails, Fernando Echavarriís boat loses a rudder, wipes off the bowsprit and breaks one of its daggerboards. Image copyright Mikel Pasabant/Equipo Telefonica/Volvo Ocean Race. Image 1 of 3.
Santiago Lange onboard Telefonica Black. Having already shredded four sails, Fernando Echavarriís boat loses a rudder, wipes off the bowsprit and breaks one of its daggerboards. Image copyright Mikel Pasabant/Equipo Telefonica/Volvo Ocean Race. Image 2 of 3.
Santiago Lange onboard Telefonica Black. Having already shredded four sails, Fernando Echavarriís boat loses a rudder, wipes off the bowsprit and breaks one of its daggerboards. Image copyright Mikel Pasabant/Equipo Telefonica/Volvo Ocean Race. Image 3 of 3.
Cape Town, South Africa The first stopover in the Volvo Ocean Race. Image copyright Cape Town Routes Unlimited. Image 1 of 2.
Cape Town, South Africa The first stopover in the Volvo Ocean Race. Image copyright Cape Town Routes Unlimited. Image 2 of 2.
Volvo Ocean Race
VOR: Ericsson 4 sets new speed record; Telefonica Black suffers damage
by Volvo Ocean Race media
On 29th October 2008 at 1854 GMT, Ericsson 4 (Torben Grael/BRA) broke through the magic 600 nm barrier, when she extended her historic 24-hour run to reach 602.66 nm, however, as with all sailing records, the exact distance will have to ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council before it can be made official.
Grael and his crew, which is one man short since Tony Mutter was taken off the boat at the Cape Verde islands last week with an infected knee, have been pushing the boat hard for well over 24 hours. They first toppled the record of 562.96 nm set by Sebastian Josse and the crew of ABN AMRO TWO in the 2005-06 Volvo Ocean Race at 0355 GMT this morning with a run of 566.57nm. They raised the bar repeatedly and, by 1300 GMT, 593 miles were on the board as the magical 600-mark grew nearer. By 1425 GMT, they had clocked 594.23nm as they moved onwards and upwards.
Guy Salter, MCM onboard Ericsson 4 said tonight, “It’s not everyday you get to have a ride as we have had over the past day or so. To get a new 24-hour record has been superb, but the reality of that feat out here hasn’t really sunk in. We know we have a record but what is more on the fella's minds is getting to Cape Town and hopefully at the front of the pack, avoiding damage to ourselves and the yacht. All the boys look really drained - sleep is not the easiest on Ericsson 4 – I can only describe the motion as I would imagine re-entry on the space shuttle is like.”
Meanwhile, further back in the fleet, the westerly gale continued to whip up seas in excess of eight metres. Sailing at around 25 knots, Telefónica Black (Fernando Echávarri/ESP) launched off a particularly large wave, momentarily lost control of the boat and crash landed only to find that one of the rudders had sheared off and part of a daggerboard and the bowsprit were gone. None of the crew was injured and the damage to the yacht was quickly assessed. The crew has mounted an emergency rudder and are continuing on course to Cape Town, albeit rather more slowly.
Telefónica Syndicate Head, Pedro Campos, said that the safety of the crew was the first priority and reported that all are well and unhurt. He confirmed that the damage to the yacht was not thought to be structural in any way but, understandably, the crew is very disappointed to have to nurse the yacht into Cape Town. He praised the crew for their professionalism and the seamanlike manner in which they dealt with the situation.
Volvo Ocean Race
On 29th October 2008 at 1854 GMT, Ericsson 4 (Torben Grael/BRA) broke through the magic 600 nm barrier, when she extended her historic 24-hour run to reach 602.66 nm, however, as with all sailing records, the exact distance will have to ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council before it can be made official.
Grael and his crew, which is one man short since Tony Mutter was taken off the boat at the Cape Verde islands last week with an infected knee, have been pushing the boat hard for well over 24 hours. They first toppled the record of 562.96 nm set by Sebastian Josse and the crew of ABN AMRO TWO in the 2005-06 Volvo Ocean Race at 0355 GMT this morning with a run of 566.57nm. They raised the bar repeatedly and, by 1300 GMT, 593 miles were on the board as the magical 600-mark grew nearer. By 1425 GMT, they had clocked 594.23nm as they moved onwards and upwards.
Guy Salter, MCM onboard Ericsson 4 said tonight, “It’s not everyday you get to have a ride as we have had over the past day or so. To get a new 24-hour record has been superb, but the reality of that feat out here hasn’t really sunk in. We know we have a record but what is more on the fella's minds is getting to Cape Town and hopefully at the front of the pack, avoiding damage to ourselves and the yacht. All the boys look really drained - sleep is not the easiest on Ericsson 4 – I can only describe the motion as I would imagine re-entry on the space shuttle is like.”
Meanwhile, further back in the fleet, the westerly gale continued to whip up seas in excess of eight metres. Sailing at around 25 knots, Telefónica Black (Fernando Echávarri/ESP) launched off a particularly large wave, momentarily lost control of the boat and crash landed only to find that one of the rudders had sheared off and part of a daggerboard and the bowsprit were gone. None of the crew was injured and the damage to the yacht was quickly assessed. The crew has mounted an emergency rudder and are continuing on course to Cape Town, albeit rather more slowly.
Telefónica Syndicate Head, Pedro Campos, said that the safety of the crew was the first priority and reported that all are well and unhurt. He confirmed that the damage to the yacht was not thought to be structural in any way but, understandably, the crew is very disappointed to have to nurse the yacht into Cape Town. He praised the crew for their professionalism and the seamanlike manner in which they dealt with the situation.
Volvo Ocean Race
VOR: Roaring Towards Cape Town
by Volvo Ocean Race media
Ericsson 4 has the bit in her teeth and is still coming at speed towards Cape Town, now less than 200 miles away. Torben Grael and his record-breaking crew have looked like world beaters for the past week or so, and seem determined to keep the pedal down, all the way to the finishing line.
As Mark Chisnell explained in today’s TEN ZULU report, Cape Town’s Table Bay is notorious for having calm winds in the early morning hours and this could still slow down the leader. But with PUMA over 100 miles in arrears, Ericsson 4 appears to be have a solid grip on Leg One. Even the opposition is impressed.
“A huge congratulations to the Ericsson 4 team,” wrote Chris Nicolson, watch captain on PUMA. “To maintain that level of pace is a credit to their preparation and skill. Personally, it was a big reminder of the difficulty that comes with keeping everything together in those conditions. Will it (the record) fall again this race? Maybe, but it will take a very good set of conditions.”
With PUMA still looking safe on the shorter northerly track to Cape Town, there’s still a real battle brewing between Ericsson 3 and Green Dragon. Currently, the Nordic crew led by Anders Lewander on Ericsson appear to be in a strong position, but to see how strong, we’ll have to wait – the crew has just invoked its StealthPlay, lending an air of uncertainty to the boys on Green Dragon, who are feeling the effects of a tough watch system.
“The lads are pretty tired,” wrote skipper Ian Walker today. “For nearly a week now, we have been sailing a 'double standby' watch in strong wind. In simple terms, this means you only get two hours in your bunk every eight - which is not enough. It does mean that when it is rough we have seven people in kit ready to be on deck at a moment’s notice. We have needed them on several occasions.
“The other news is that we have gybed so we are now pointing pretty much at Cape Town. This is good for morale, not least as we are heading north again…It is frustrating knowing that we could be sailing so much faster and seeing ERT3 crossing us when we would have been so well clear of them but that's yacht racing…We have about two days to go and we are starting to count down the miles in fifties.”
And further back, there’s still plenty to fight for. Telefonica Blue is looking over its shoulder at a hard charging Team Russia. Current weather routing software puts the boats within hours of each other at the finish. Bouwe Bekking’s men are about 40 miles north of the Russian boat, a healthy enough separation for the chasing crew to gain on any significant shift, or change in weather.
Finally, Delta Lloyd has also played its StealthPlay card, as skipper Ger O’Rourke works to fend off the wounded Telefonica Black, which is now within 900 miles of Cape Town.
Positions at 1700 GMT 1st November 2008
Position/Boat/Distance-to-Leader-gain-or-loss/Predicted-Time-to-Leader/Distance-to-Finish
1 Ericsson 4, 0, 00:00:00, 196
2 PUMA Ocean Racing, -10, 09:32:34, +119
3 Green Dragon, 12, 1.00:06:42, +361
4 Telefonica Blue, 22, 1.04:54:28, +458
5 Team Russia, 17, 1.07:08:12, +542
6 Telefonica Black, -2, 1.18:31:46, +675
Stealth Cards (i.e. positions not reported): Ericsson 3 and Delta Lloyd
Volvo Ocean Race
Ericsson 4 has the bit in her teeth and is still coming at speed towards Cape Town, now less than 200 miles away. Torben Grael and his record-breaking crew have looked like world beaters for the past week or so, and seem determined to keep the pedal down, all the way to the finishing line.
As Mark Chisnell explained in today’s TEN ZULU report, Cape Town’s Table Bay is notorious for having calm winds in the early morning hours and this could still slow down the leader. But with PUMA over 100 miles in arrears, Ericsson 4 appears to be have a solid grip on Leg One. Even the opposition is impressed.
“A huge congratulations to the Ericsson 4 team,” wrote Chris Nicolson, watch captain on PUMA. “To maintain that level of pace is a credit to their preparation and skill. Personally, it was a big reminder of the difficulty that comes with keeping everything together in those conditions. Will it (the record) fall again this race? Maybe, but it will take a very good set of conditions.”
With PUMA still looking safe on the shorter northerly track to Cape Town, there’s still a real battle brewing between Ericsson 3 and Green Dragon. Currently, the Nordic crew led by Anders Lewander on Ericsson appear to be in a strong position, but to see how strong, we’ll have to wait – the crew has just invoked its StealthPlay, lending an air of uncertainty to the boys on Green Dragon, who are feeling the effects of a tough watch system.
“The lads are pretty tired,” wrote skipper Ian Walker today. “For nearly a week now, we have been sailing a 'double standby' watch in strong wind. In simple terms, this means you only get two hours in your bunk every eight - which is not enough. It does mean that when it is rough we have seven people in kit ready to be on deck at a moment’s notice. We have needed them on several occasions.
“The other news is that we have gybed so we are now pointing pretty much at Cape Town. This is good for morale, not least as we are heading north again…It is frustrating knowing that we could be sailing so much faster and seeing ERT3 crossing us when we would have been so well clear of them but that's yacht racing…We have about two days to go and we are starting to count down the miles in fifties.”
And further back, there’s still plenty to fight for. Telefonica Blue is looking over its shoulder at a hard charging Team Russia. Current weather routing software puts the boats within hours of each other at the finish. Bouwe Bekking’s men are about 40 miles north of the Russian boat, a healthy enough separation for the chasing crew to gain on any significant shift, or change in weather.
Finally, Delta Lloyd has also played its StealthPlay card, as skipper Ger O’Rourke works to fend off the wounded Telefonica Black, which is now within 900 miles of Cape Town.
Positions at 1700 GMT 1st November 2008
Position/Boat/Distance-to-Leader-gain-or-loss/Predicted-Time-to-Leader/Distance-to-Finish
1 Ericsson 4, 0, 00:00:00, 196
2 PUMA Ocean Racing, -10, 09:32:34, +119
3 Green Dragon, 12, 1.00:06:42, +361
4 Telefonica Blue, 22, 1.04:54:28, +458
5 Team Russia, 17, 1.07:08:12, +542
6 Telefonica Black, -2, 1.18:31:46, +675
Stealth Cards (i.e. positions not reported): Ericsson 3 and Delta Lloyd
Volvo Ocean Race
PUMA on course for Cape Town finish Sunday
Volvo Ocean Race Leg One finish imminent
by Kate Fairclough
The PUMA Ocean Racing team is just 347 nautical miles from the finish of Leg One of the Volvo Ocean Race and is set to reach Cape Town, South Africa tomorrow afternoon (Sunday). The 6,500 nautical mile leg has seen PUMA locked in a battle with close rival Ericsson 4, with each boat taking it in turns to lead the fleet. For the majority of the passage, the two boats have even been in sight of each other – a rare thing in offshore sailing. The battle looks set to continue, as 110 miles separate PUMA, currently in second place, from Ericsson 4 in first.
PUMA’s il mostro has enjoyed some of the closest racing in the history of the Volvo Ocean Race during this leg. Having taken three weeks to complete, starting in Alicante, Spain on October 10, the eight boat fleet has fought their way through gale force storms and white water, as well as surviving frustratingly light winds and hot temperatures as they crossed the equator. Anything could happen as the boats approach the Cape of Good Hope, and PUMA may even have the chance to pounce and narrow the gap between themselves and the leaders, who are likely to slow towards the finish. The gap between PUMA and third placed Ericsson 3 is estimated to be 12 hours.
The mood aboard PUMA is one of contemplation; with the crew taking a few moments to review the first chapter of the race and look forward to what awaits them in Cape Town. A South African steak sandwich, an ice cold beer and the chance to see loved ones are amongst their cravings.
Chris ‘Nico’ Nicholson, Watch Captain, Olympian and Volvo Ocean Race veteran, commented: “Arriving into Cape Town this race has quickly delivered a lot of variety from the doldrums to heavy air sailing. The boat has come through in great shape as well as the crew. We have really had a good learning curve this trip and will be better for it. Big congrats to the Ericsson 4 guys on an impressive 24 hour record. I know how hard it is to maintain the pressure and they did a great job. We will be better in this area next time, guaranteed. Pleasing for me was to watch the young guys, Casey (Smith/AUS) and Michi (Mueller/GER). They really had a great leg. I am happy with a return to my favourite stop in the race. See you on the dock for a steak sandwich and a quiet beer!”
Current ETA for PUMA’s arrival in Cape Town is 16:26 local (14:26 GMT) tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon.
Current Position:
2nd Place
Distance to Leader: 110 nautical miles
Distance to Leg Finish: 347 nautical miles
Miles covered in last 24 hours: 343 nautical miles
PUMA Ocean Racing
by Kate Fairclough
The PUMA Ocean Racing team is just 347 nautical miles from the finish of Leg One of the Volvo Ocean Race and is set to reach Cape Town, South Africa tomorrow afternoon (Sunday). The 6,500 nautical mile leg has seen PUMA locked in a battle with close rival Ericsson 4, with each boat taking it in turns to lead the fleet. For the majority of the passage, the two boats have even been in sight of each other – a rare thing in offshore sailing. The battle looks set to continue, as 110 miles separate PUMA, currently in second place, from Ericsson 4 in first.
PUMA’s il mostro has enjoyed some of the closest racing in the history of the Volvo Ocean Race during this leg. Having taken three weeks to complete, starting in Alicante, Spain on October 10, the eight boat fleet has fought their way through gale force storms and white water, as well as surviving frustratingly light winds and hot temperatures as they crossed the equator. Anything could happen as the boats approach the Cape of Good Hope, and PUMA may even have the chance to pounce and narrow the gap between themselves and the leaders, who are likely to slow towards the finish. The gap between PUMA and third placed Ericsson 3 is estimated to be 12 hours.
The mood aboard PUMA is one of contemplation; with the crew taking a few moments to review the first chapter of the race and look forward to what awaits them in Cape Town. A South African steak sandwich, an ice cold beer and the chance to see loved ones are amongst their cravings.
Chris ‘Nico’ Nicholson, Watch Captain, Olympian and Volvo Ocean Race veteran, commented: “Arriving into Cape Town this race has quickly delivered a lot of variety from the doldrums to heavy air sailing. The boat has come through in great shape as well as the crew. We have really had a good learning curve this trip and will be better for it. Big congrats to the Ericsson 4 guys on an impressive 24 hour record. I know how hard it is to maintain the pressure and they did a great job. We will be better in this area next time, guaranteed. Pleasing for me was to watch the young guys, Casey (Smith/AUS) and Michi (Mueller/GER). They really had a great leg. I am happy with a return to my favourite stop in the race. See you on the dock for a steak sandwich and a quiet beer!”
Current ETA for PUMA’s arrival in Cape Town is 16:26 local (14:26 GMT) tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon.
Current Position:
2nd Place
Distance to Leader: 110 nautical miles
Distance to Leg Finish: 347 nautical miles
Miles covered in last 24 hours: 343 nautical miles
PUMA Ocean Racing
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