Volvo Ocean Race - Rapid change for Team SCA

by Corinna Halloran on 22 Nov 2014 To summarize the last 24 hours of the Volvo Ocean Race in one word: change. The weather, the water, the sails, and our bodies are all equally (and rapidly) changing. The first full day at sea, we have experienced what some trips see in a week—if they’re lucky enough. However, that said, change can also be frustrating.

'I’m always amazed on how my body can so quickly forget the body rhythm of life on a boat. It’s pretty frustrating because it’s so exhausting,' Sam said.

She’s right—our bodies are taking a massive hit right now as we try to get used to life offshore again. We’re all exhausted, and the conditions are not helping—everything is labor intensive—from cooking to getting dressed to grinding and helming. The sea state is pretty rough as well: sloppy and big.

However, the day did not begin like that. Actually, quite the opposite really: warm bright, blue sea and sky, reasonable wind but nothing intense—simply livable conditions. Now, comfortable living is long gone.

We have changed sails multiple times in order to make the most out of the wind, and making sure we eek out in front of Vestas Wind, who have been sitting all too comfortably next to us.

'I have a good feeling this is what the leg is going to be like,' Dee said. 'And that’s going to be really interesting!'

Fortunately, all of this will probably change back to somewhat more comfortable living in the next few days, or our bodies will finally acclimatize to living back on Team Team SCA website