Volvo Ocean Race - The fleet is bunched
by Volvo Ocean Race on 22 Apr 2015
MAPFRE - Volvo Ocean Race 2015 Francisco Vignale/Mapfre/Volvo Ocean Race
2014 - 15 Volvo Ocean Race - The fleet continues its way east-northeast with no big changes. They all have a heading of between 50 and 55 degrees, compared to the 70 they had this morning.
At the moment the plan is clear for all. They need to stay ahead of the cold front that is chasing them, as it is also moving east-northeast.
Tacking towards Cabo Frio is not yet an option as the Brazilian current -approximately one kn - would be against them. For now, east is best!
Mapfre continues on in the lead and Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing is just 0.7 nm behind. The Emiratis managed to sail past Team Alvimedica at around 1600 UTC.
Ian Walker: “For 24 hours we have been stuck behind Alvimedica. We fought hard to break through their dirty wind and have also sailed extra unnecessary distance. The good news is that we have now managed to get past them and can start to sail our own race.”
“Looking ahead it seems unlikely that there will be a meaningful tactical difference of opinion in the near term. We should all hopefully stay ahead of the front chasing us from the South and that means a long port tack East of the Brazilian current and offshore of the oil rigs until we connect with the trades and can tack onto starboard.
'That means that it is all about boat speed and subtle course variations for now. There is little to pick between the front row of Mapfre, SCA, Dongfeng and us right now but in reality the whole fleet remains closely bunched. Onboard life is pretty easy but it gets ever hotter.”
It was a very slow start from Itajai, but Leg 6 is now well and truly underway with the fleet heading upwind into freshening conditions. Mapfre hold a narrow lead, but there’s a long way to go to Newport. Mark Chisnell looks at the opening couple of days and what lies ahead.
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