Lack of southern ocean experience adds to pressure on Caudrelier

by Dongfeng Race Team on 18 Mar 2015 'I’m heading into the Southern Ocean with two sailors onboard that have never sailed in more than 30 knots of wind, of course it’s added pressure.' – Charles Caudrelier feels the pressure as he leads his determined men in to the Southern Ocean, only three of which have passed the iconic Cape Horn before.

On the 7,000 nautical mile journey from New Zealand to Brazil, crossing the world’s most treacherous ocean – the difference between winning and losing will be the ability to make smart decisions in various states of exhaustion. That, and of course, knowing or guessing the limits of your team and machine.

After a three-day delay, the sailors are finally on their way towards the mythical Cape Horn. The delay to the start of Leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race due to Cyclone Pam caused unexpected confusion amongst the crew of Dongfeng Race Team. Instead of having a few extra days to relax – it left the sailors slightly on edge and all geared up to go with, essentially, nowhere to go. It also allowed them extra time to think about the challenges that crossing the Southern Ocean will bring. For Charles the responsibility as Skipper has never been more acute:

'I’m about to sail into the toughest ocean in the world with two crew members who have never sailed in more than 30 knots of wind – and only three of the crew have passed Cape Horn before [Stromberg, Caudrelier and Foxall]. It’s added pressure and the Southern Ocean isn’t something you can explain to someone with words and hand gestures. I’m not sure they know what lies ahead and maybe it’s better that way? I trust them and they know the boat but like any Skipper I will constantly be alert. It will be difficult to relax.'

On the dock the words ‘be safe’ and ‘be careful’ are replacing the usual ‘good luck’ and ‘go and get them!’ The Chinese sailors Liu Xue (Black) and Yang Jiru (Wolf) seem unfazed. For them it is just another chapter in their round the world adventure. 'I’ve been told it’s unlike anything I’ll have ever seen before,' smiles Black before setting off. 'I know sailing is physical but I believe it’s your mentality that makes you a winner.'

Although this leg can produce moments where survival is the priority, the sailors are still under constant pressure to go faster. It’s a race after all but the question is: where do you draw the line? Perhaps if it was just a question of crossing the Southern Ocean it would be enjoyable, aren’t fast downwind sailing conditions every sailors dream? But it’s that constant pressure of feeling you’ve got to go faster that makes it as hard as it is. 'Knowing your limits is key, key for the safety of the crew and the safety of the boat,' says Swedish sailor Martin Strömberg.

This leg will take the boats to the furthest point from land on earth, and through the ocean known to produce some of the roughest conditions on the race.

'The reality is, if something goes wrong the only people that will be able to help us will be our competitors,' explains Charles. 'The last time Abu Dhabi were in trouble in the Southern Ocean, the nearest ship was 1000 miles away. It’s a reality check – but I reckon with the one design we will be closer.'

Navigator Pascal Bidégorry doesn’t have too many fond memories of the Southern Ocean either. 'Pffff, last time? Last time was 14 years ago and I dismasted. Then we stayed at sea for 21 days without a mast before we reached safety. That was not fun. The Southern Ocean it breaks boats – we must be careful. Everyone must be careful because I want to pass Cape Horn.'