Telefonica Blue, skippered by Bouwe Bekking (NED) are first through the scoring gate of Fernando de Noronha at 19:58:56 GMT 16/04/09, securing 4 points, on of leg 6 of the Volvo Ocean Race, from Rio de Janeiro to Boston. Image copyright Gabriele Olivo/Telefonica Blue/Volvo Ocean Race.
by Simon Fisher (helmsman)
This leg is proving to be a leg of many milestones. Firstly there was the completion of our circumnavigation as we crossed our outgoing track, then the passing of Fernando de Noronha and the scoring gate and now, today, two more. We have successfully negotiated the doldrums and shortly after crossed the equator marking our return back to the northern hemisphere.
It has been a big day so far, and busy too. The doldrums brought many (more) clouds and (more) squalls as well as sudden calms and a truly hideous sea state to deal with. This called for many sail changes and a pretty exhausting watch.
However, now we are safely on the other side the wind has built and stabilized for us and the sea state has once again improved although life is still pretty bumpy.
Crossing the doldrums has been significant for us as we are now entering the good NE trade winds that will carry us north. While the boats behind battle with unstable winds this is now our chance to extend on the fleet and to try and build a lead that we will no doubt need later on!
For now though for me at least is some rest after a busy morning, something that right now I am very much looking forward too!
Volvo Ocean Race
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