Volvo Ocean Race - A game of risk for Dongfeng Race Team
by Yann Riou on 30 Oct 2014
Jin Hao Chen, aka Horace, trimming the sails. Yann Riou / Dongfeng Race Team
OBR Yann Riou reports from onboard Dongfeng Race Team in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15.
'To drive past a big city, you’ve got two choices: crossing the centre, risking to get stuck in traffic, or driving around, even though you may have to do more kilometres. That’s what we are doing now.' (Charles)
No need to say much more that that – that’s a good summary of the situation. We have a high-pressure system to sail past (St Helena High), and we’re currently rounding it. Every time we do head a little bit east, we shorten our route, but we take the risk of losing wind. And vice-versa.
Plus, regarding the weather forecast, we’re using two different kinds of files: the European and the American models. They aren’t always on the same page. You got to pick your side. That’s why we’ve seen the boats take different routes for the past couple of days.
Verdict in a few days.
As far as everything else goes, life goes on onboard Dongfeng. These strategic questions keep us awake. We’re also discussing the arrival date in Cape Town. This date sets the number of days off we’ll have before the Leg 2.
Sensitive topic…
The temperature keeps dropping slowly, but it’s still really nice during daytime. At night though, it’s chilly. Fleeces and windbreakers are welcome.
Have a nice Dongfeng Race Team
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