Looking for wind. Image copyright Oskar Kihlborg/Ericsson Racing Team.
by Victoria Low
Today's planned In-Port race in Qingdao was cancelled as a result of the weather. Thick fog and light winds plagued the race course. Despite being delayed by two hours on shore, and waiting a further three hours on the water in the hope that the fog might lift and the wind fill in, the four-boat fleet were sent back home shortly after 1600h local time.
"When it is like this you have to out and expect the unexpected," commented Torben Grael, the Ericsson International skipper.
Had the fleet managed to race, the light winds and poor visibility would have made racing very tricky and the team were working on the basis that it was important to have a game plan before the start and execute that to the best of their ability.
Olympic medallists Torben Grael and Yin Jian on Ericsson 4. Image copyright Oskar Kihlborg/Ericsson Racing Team.
Ericsson International had Olympic sailor, Yin Jian, on board. The gold medal winning windsurfer commented when coming ashore: " It was a real pity to not be able to race here. These boats are complete beasts compared to my windsurf board!"
Racing has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Sunday, with the first warning signal at 1120h.
Ericsson Racing Team
Volvo Ocean Race
No comments:
Post a Comment