Xabier Fernandez trimming the main with a water temperature is 6C, air temperature 3C in rough weather onboard Telefonica Bue, on leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race. Image copyright Gabriele Olivo/Telefonica Blue/Volvo Ocean Race.
by Tom Addis
We've just entered the Pacific Ocean which is a great feeling - partly because it is home for me, but mainly because the water is a lot warmer when it hits you! This time yesterday, we were in seven degrees centigrade water, now it is 21, so it’s gloves and balaclava off time - not to return for a couple of weeks. Its extremely wet on deck - getting fire hosed constantly at 25-28kts boatspeed - it helps when the water is warm!
Over the last six hours, we have been in better breeze than the guys ahead - it won't last forever but it has helped us make some strong gains over the last two scheds, which is great for morale - its always hard fighting an invisible enemy but they are at last getting a bit closer. Unfortunately, we are seeing a bit of a one way track in front of us at the moment with no major passing lanes in the short term, so we are staying honest with ourselves and sailing a course which we think is best for us - even if it is similar to the others - better and less risky opportunities will arise further down the track I am sure...
In the meantime, we are starting to get ourselves sorted out after our disrupted departure from Qingdao. Heading straight into a 500 mile day was a shock to the system, but it’s great to finally let these yachts stretch their legs a bit!
Volvo Ocean Race
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