by Ian Walker (skipper)
It’s been a tough 24 hours for the Green Dragon as we have been consistently slower than the leaders and have also paid the price for our more Northerly position. We didn't mean to be quite so far North but had a long period of light and lifted winds two days ago that ushered us North. We also had to come up to thread our way through some small Japanese Islands - why is it that when you are in a huge ocean, the islands always end up right where you wish to pass? I guess it is for the same reason you always seem to end up on collision course for any ships nearby.
Everybody is very philosophical about the miles we have lost. It is always going to be difficult against these boats and we are pleased to now be back on track over the last few scheds. It is a long way to Rio and our game plan of sailing, what we believe to be the right way irrespective of the other boats, will not change. I am surprised to hear the lads already talking about when we will get to Rio - personally I am trying to put it out of my mind until after we round Cape Horn. It's a bit early to display the miles to go just yet.
Life onboard is very comfy (for a Volvo 70) with everyone catching up on sleep and the thermal layers and boots are being replaced with shorts and light weight shoes. Sun cream and sunglasses made an appearance today and you can feel the heat of the sun for the first time since leaving the Phillipines. Before long, we will have to dig out the fans to help us sleep at night. Even the food seems to taste better this leg although we seem to have forgotten the powdered milk which rules out a nice cup of tea. Maybe it will be in tomorrow's food bag.
Volvo Ocean Race
Friday, 20 February 2009
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