Thursday, 12 March 2009

VOR: TELEFÓNICA BLUE LEG FIVE DAY 26 QFB: received 11.03.09 0615 GMT


Jordi Calafat up the boom with Pablo Arrarte assisting him, on leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race, from Qingdao to Rio de Janeiro. Image copyright Gabriele Olivo/Telefonica Blue/Volvo Ocean Race.

by Simon Fisher (helmsman)

Sadly it has been another slow day for us on Telefónica Blue and things seem to be set to stay that way, as a ridge of high pressure is extending out in front of us putting up a wall between us and the leaders.

Even with all the optimism in the world it is starting to get a little frustrating now, watching the leader extending to over 700 miles ahead. Each day we hear ‘only eight days to the Horn’, but in almost a week this number hasn't come down at all! It is almost like we are running on a treadmill and not getting any closer.

Still we are keeping ourselves entertained out here. Today was Mike's (Michael Pammenter/RSA) 26th birthday which gave rise to some entertainment. His black boat compatriot David (David Vera/ESP) gave him a very thoughtful present - a dried seafood necklace!

Much laughter was had as Mike hates seafood, although this is clearly not the case with David. As soon as it was hung round Mikey's neck long enough for the smell of fish to linger, it was ripped off again and he devoured it! Luckily for Mike though, Gabri (Gabriele Olivo MCM) came through with some Gummy Bears, which were much more appealing than the dry fish! What we have all been left wondering though is how David has managed to keep the seafood in his bag for 25 days without making everything else smell too!!

Volvo Ovean Race

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