Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 - Leader gambles on Island windshadow

by Volvo Ocean Race on 19 Oct 2014 Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 - Latest position report: 0640 UTC, Leader: Dongfeng Race Team, Spread of fleet: 91 nautical miles, Wind speed: 18 knots, Sea state: moderate, Boat speed: 19 knots, The fleet has finally left the West African Coast. They are now in the trade winds, making the westerly course across the Atlantic Ocean to Fernando.

They will find the Cape Verde Islands in the way and that will cause some issues of navigation.

Ten hours ago at 1400 UTC on Saturday, leaders Dongfeng Race Team to the south and Abu Dhabi Ocean Race to the north were 250nm from the Cape Verde Islands.

This is when they needed to make the call: below or through the middle of the islands. It was not clear which was the best option.

Ian Walker on board Abu Dhabi chose to sail above the most northern island of Santo Antao with a wind of 020º, a right hand shift across them.

Dongfeng found their option far simpler, because the wind was freeing them through the gap between the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands.

The wind continues to free them and go left at 353º as they approach the gap.

The only issue now facing Dongfeng is the wind shadow from the island above them. If the shadowing effect does not decrease the wind, then they will make a big gain of approximately 20 to 30 nautical miles in a very short time.

The rest of the fleet will be watching Dongfeng's progress Event website