Thursday 5 March 2009

VOR: TELEFONICA BLUE LEG FIVE DAY 19 QFB: received 24.03.09 10:00 GMT


Average Wind Speed over 40Kn, gusts of up to 50Kn apparent, True Wind Speed 30-32Kn. The only protection is the helmet. Image copyright Gabriele Olivo/Telefonica Blue/Volvo Ocean Race.

by Bouwe Bekking (skipper)

It has been another very tough day in the office, with some very, very wet sailing conditions on deck. Did we have fun? Not really, the survival kit has come out, as it seems the only way to keep some dry clothes underneath, and most of the guys have swapped to their boots. Also the water temperature has dropped nearly 7 degrees. The good news with that is, we have a nicer environment downstairs, not sweaty at all anymore.

So we beat the odds to actually pass one team to the scoring waypoint, I had never expected that. But it showed again today that when close reaching, we seem to be slippery. So now we are on our way into the southern ocean, which looks to be a very tricky affair. One boat has taken the option for a northerly route. If that route wins them the leg, they will write history, as up to now in all the legs down south, the south has won.

Ok, keeping it short, it is too bouncy to type. Might go up and take a fresh shower, with the rest of the guys.

Volvo Ocean Race

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