Rough weather for Telefonica Blue, in the Southern Ocean, on leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race, from Qingdao to Rio de Janeiro. Image copyright Gabriele Olivo/Telefonica Blue/Volvo Ocean Race.
by Tom Addis (navigator)
Free at last from having to follow the ridge into the ice gate, we gybed away as soon as we could, dialled up some pressure and we were off – free at last.
Still in a different weather world from the leaders though, but at least we have more control over our situation than before. Life is pretty full-on at the moment, lots of water over the bow, but our deflectors are doing a great job of shedding the really solid stuff, so not nearly as much gets back to the cockpit to wash you around – its still survival suits for most though....
Down at 50S now and getting scheds from a fleet of Class and Open 40s racing in the same waters. Single and double handed 40 footers – now that would be a challenge! Looks like Telefónica Blue will be well away from their position though.
Fewer ‘are we there yet?’ questions from the guys about timings now that we are moving well, its more about shifts, pressure and the other yachts. We know that Cape Horn is coming up pretty quickly and we all have the more pressing issue of keeping the boat and its contents under control and in one piece anyway! All quietly hoping for a daylight passage though.
Better run, 18Z weather files are through.
Volvo Ocean Race
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