Volvo Ocean Race - In-port race puts paid to pre-race nerves

by Dongfeng Race Team on 5 Oct 2014 Out on the water this afternoon in Alicante, the first in-port race put paid to pre-race nerves, whilst on shore emotion was running high at this morning’s team press conference, when Wolf (Jiru Yang) broke down in tears as he dedicated the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race to Leo.

From Wolf: 'During the press conference Leo explained he worked very hard and congratulated Horace and I for being onboard for Leg 1. I know how hard this is for him because he tries and tries so hard, but he is not yet ready for whatever reason, and I can feel he’s so sad but he’s so proud of us. This is why I left my place in the press conference and hugged him - this is why I cry. From the beginning I said, I race for China but now, now I also race for Leo.'

The team spirit kicked in as the crew rallied round to give Wolf and Leo support and comfort, as both were visibly upset, demonstrating just what it really means for these Chinese rookies to be here. The media, used to dealing with race-hardened pro sailors, were touched by the emotion and responded by giving all the sailors a rousing round of applause.

Dongfeng Race Team quickly re-grouped as their focus turned to the first official in-port race of the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15. After yesterday’s win in the official practice race and a third in the Pro-Am Race, the team’s confidence was boosted further by a respectable finish today that saw the young guns of Alvimedica take victory. Charles Caudrelier and his team led from the start and were soon locked in a three-way battle with the experienced Abu Dhabi and Alvimedica for the majority of the race. On approach to the final gate rounding the VO65 Dongfeng crossed just behind Abu Dhabi but at the final mark rounding, they lost a minute or so trying to get the A3 unfurled and working - enough to let Mapfre and Brunel through in the close racing, resulting in the team finishing in fifth place.

It was clear that Yang Jiru (Wolf) felt happy with the team’s performance. 'It was fantastic, the feeling when you’re leading is great, slight problem with the unfurling but I think we’re getting there! Still a lot we need to learn but we’re happy to be making these mistakes in the beginning rather than further down the line. Now I just look forward to the start of the race next Saturday.'

For Skipper Charles Caudrelier to be in the top three for the majority of the race has certainly had a positive effect on the team, 'As a team we did a fantastic job, communication onboard was really good. I am a bit disappointed because of course when you lead you want to go on leading and small mistakes happen but overall I’m really happy. After the press conference and the onboard performance today I feel ready, after all it’s less than seven days to go!'