Telefonica Blue feeling the full force of the Southern Ocean as they approached Cape horn, 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)
At last we have made it around Cape Horn! Early this morning we finally made it to the most famous of Cape's and took a little time to celebrate and relax as we left the Pacific and once more returned to the Atlantic Ocean.
We were lucky enough to have a good view of the Horn, having rounded close in, so it was in clear view as we rolled passed and the camera came out! However, the view came at something of a price, as we made the mistake of many a sailor keen to get to fairer weather and a good view - we promptly ran out of wind and have spent much of the morning battling with the lee trough that is just downwind of the cape.
However, a little light airs were not going to dampen our spirits after so many days waiting to round and out came the treats to celebrate our achievement. We all drank some Grappa, prepared by Gabri's father and enjoyed some Cuban Cigars. Lots of photos were taken and, for a brief while, we enjoyed the moment with everyone on deck together.
The celebration all got a bit too much for Tom (Tom Addis – navigator) though. Upon completing his cigar, which he admitted to enjoying immensely, he went a sickly pale colour, then white, then green! After some time of feeling sick his face slowly came back to a yellow colour and his stomach settled down. For a while downstairs was off limits for him as he was worried about throwing up, which made checking the computer something of a challenge. Sadly he didn't receive much sympathy as his entertainment brought much amusement to the rest of the crew! Poor guy!
The crew of Telefónica Black will probably also be pleased to know that David (David Vera) and Mike (Michael Pammenter) got a picture in front of Cape Horn in their Speedos - the only time on this leg that they were allowed to wear them!
We are now back on the road again, we have finally escaped the light airs, or at least I hope so and everyone’s focus is first getting to warmer weather and then finally to Rio. Hopefully not too long to go now...
Volvo Ocean Race
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