Volvo Ocean Race - A tough night awaits the fleet
by Volvo Ocean Race on 2 Apr 2015
April 1, 2015. Leg 5 to Itajai onboard Team SCA. Day 14. Stacey Jackson and Liz Wardley at the bow. Anna-Lena Elled/Team SCA
At 1142 UTC, Team SCA rounded Cape Horn in uncomfortable conditions with an even more uncomfortable forecast ahead. Spirits were high to have reached this milestone and to be turning the corner in search for warmer and less taxing weather. Unfortunately, according to the forecast for the next 24 hours, things are not going to get better. As we write this Watch Log, we can see that they already are in 40 to 50 knots of wind. We are monitoring events closely here in Race Control.
The Cape is renowned for sudden changes in conditions. The high land around it can bring sudden gusts that can catch boats out.
Team Brunel reported one such gust that destroyed their J1 beyond repair. The Dutch boat is now in fourth place 44.7 nautical miles behind the leader, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.
Ian Walker’s men are holding their lead and sailing a slightly higher course than the next boat, Team Alvimedica, just 11nm to the south and only 3nm back in distance to the finish.
MAPFRE is sticking closely to Alvimedica’s line as all boats sail a course of about 011º on broad reach.
It will not be long until they report warmer conditions and the ordeal of the Southern Ocean is a distant memory. But for now, with wind speeds of 40+ knots registered, a tough night awaits the fleet.
Dongfeng unfortunately officially retired from Leg 5 at 1730 UTC. At the time of this report, their plans still were not completely finalised but it was looking like a cut down crew would motor and sail north to Itajaí, leaving Wednesday morning.
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