Volvo Ocean Race - The bright side of the Doldrums

by Jonno Turner on 22 Oct 2014 Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15. It’s the place where the northern and southern winds meet, where a sailing race can be won or lost in an instant.

And with its complex and confusing conditions, lack of breeze, and stifling heat – it’s also a place that most sailors can’t wait to see the back of.

But there is one good thing about the Doldrums.

Well, if your boat is grinding to a halt in a couple of knots of wind, and you’re losing your grip on the race to Cape Town, then you might as well sit back and enjoy the view for a while.

And let’s face it, it could be a while. When you’re racing across the Atlantic one moment, and slowed up in the Doldrums the next, every wasted second feels like a minute, and every wasted minute an hour.

'Ahead of us, 400 miles with barely any wind,' writes Mapfre Onboard Reporter Francisco Vignale. 'This is going to be long!'

'But sunrise and sunsets are more spectacular every day. I’m no expert but I’m sure it’s got to do with the fact that we are on latitude 9°N.'

You don’t have to be an expert to appreciate the view. And what a perfect view it is, almost a gift from Mother Nature, as the sun meets the sky at breakfast time and spills out onto the sparkling sea, like a pierced egg yolk.

Then, there’s the rain. Yep, the Doldrums bring challenges - but also chances to take stock, and recharge.

And when you’ve not had a shower in over 10 days, there's only one thing on your mind when you see the grey and dark clouds gathering above.

But with the downpours coming in short and sharp bursts, there’s no time to waste when you feel that first drop. It’s almost an art form.

'I’m looking forward to a lather up!' says Daryl Wislang on Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, hastily grabbing the shower gel on deck.

No doubt his teammates were too – it’s been a long and sweaty leg, full of sail changes, sticky hot sleep and for some, a single pair of underpants.

Cue boats full of semi-naked sailors, frantically washing away the first 2,000 miles of this race – without for a second taking their eyes off the prize. Well, nearly.

'I can’t see a thing, I’ve got so much soap in my eyes!' laughs Ian Walker, steering the boat with one hand, wiping away the suds and bubbles from his foamy brow with the other.

And over on Team Alvimedica, a fresh looking Charlie Enright is 'I’m feeling pretty good! I took a shower, it’s been the only normal part of this morning.'

You know what? It’s not all bad out there. But with the teams expected to leave the Doldrums in less than 24 hours, they need to make the most of it – they won’t see this little patch of the planet again until Leg 6, when they sail north from Itajaí to Volvo Ocean Race