Ericsson 4 celebrate rounding in Cape Horn in second place at 14:48 GMT on 17th March 2009. Image copyright Guy Salter/Ericson 4/Volvo Ocean Race.
by Ryan Godfrey (bowman)
Well, I’m glad that bit is over. What a huge relief to have rounded the Horn and be heading north for warmer waters. The past 48 hrs or so have been very intense onboard Ericsson 4.
The unfortunate combination of variable wind speeds and directions and navigating our way close to land has meant many sail changes and very little sleep. I think most onboard would have had only one or two hours in the past couple days so we are all extremely tired and hoping that as we head offshore again the breeze will settle and we can return to our usual watch system.
It was also a bit of a worry early yesterday morning for us when we discovered a hydraulic leak in the keel manifold. Horacio (Horatio Carabelli) got straight to the repair and seems happy with its status now, but the usual contingency plans were discussed for after the scoring waypoint. Luckily Stu (Stu Bannatyne) didn’t have his third visit to Ushuaia!
We managed to celebrate the rounding with some port and cigars, which went down very well, everyone seemed extremely happy - even if we didn’t see the Horn this time.
But Brad (Brad Jackson) brought the brief relaxing to a perfect end by mentioning that in history, the first boat to round the Horn has gone on to win the leg! At that stage the boys got stuck back into pushing the boat - all joined in the common goal to break history and get to Rio first.
Its amazing to think we have a total of 29 Horn roundings onboard now, Stu Bannatyne 6, Brad Jackson 5, Tony Mutter and Dave Endean 3, Jules Salter, Torben Grael, Joca Signorini, Horacio Carabelli and Guy Salter 2 and Phil Jameson and me one.
On a personal note, to round Cape Horn has always been a dream of mine since childhood so have to achieved this is hugely satisfying. I'm truly grateful to have had the opportunity to do this, especially with such a top bunch of guys onboard.
Racing wise, we have managed to maintain our lead over Puma and push hard in the chase for Ericsson 3, but know their boat and sails are very quick and we will have quite the task ahead of us the pull them in.
Bring on Rio and a few of life’s little luxuries that we have forgone over the past 32 days.
PS
Tony lost his balaclava a few days back and has been leant one by Horacio. This new one has a white rim to it so it gives big Tone the slight look of a Nun! It not everyday you see a nun with a goatee beard smoking a cigar!
Volvo Ocean Race
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