Volvo Ocean Race- Abu Dhabi drops the lead - and then comes back

by Matt Knighton, OBR, Abu Dhabi OR on 27 Nov 2014 Overall race leader, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing has slipped in the Volvo Ocean Race having led for most of Leg 2, and won Leg 1.

But as has been done before, Abu Dhabi has caught up, and now playing storm-watch.

Here are the latest blogs (unedited) from On Board Reporter Matt Knighton:

Day 8 0500_141126_ADO_Knighton

On the horizon at dusk, four sets of sails became clearer and clearer as the fleet compressed and our separation for the past three days came to a close. We’ve been very pleased that the wider route we accidentally dealt ourselves earlier has paid dividends as we now are fighting for the lead with Brunel, Dongfeng, and Mapfre hot on our tail.

For Ian, there’s a relief to have other boats nearby to race against, 'We’re quite pleased this time because we were a long way behind these guys. It’s quite nice to be in touch and see how we’re going.'

Last night as we gybed north towards a predicted Tropical Storm that might cross our path, the forecast was for decent trade wind conditions all day. However, as dawn is breaking the Indian Ocean is glass and we’re floating amongst the lead group looking for wind.

As if the unpredictability of this leg wasn’t enough already, now this un-forcasted high-pressure ridge is rolling the dice again. Anyone could get a puff from a squall right now and come out miles ahead, arrive at the Tropical Storm first, and then see decisive gains.

There’s no question that storm is in the back of everyone’s mind. When asked if he knows how Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing will prepare for those conditions, Ian is weighing the options.

'The Tropical Storm is coming towards us and that can become a question of how close to the center do we dare go: racing benefits versus potential risk scenario.' With a laugh he adds, 'I’m sure when push comes to shove we’re all going to send it in there and egg each other on.'

Day 7 1600_141125_ADO_Knighton

As 'Azzam' pounds through the steep, non-periodical waves of the Southern Indian Ocean, you can feel her carbon fiber shell flex with every hit. Typically, the slamming from wave to wave is a soft thud; however every 20 waves or so a loud crash deafens your ears as the floor drops out from beneath you. All you can do is hold on and brace. It’s testing conditions as we beat our way upwind attempting to gain angle and bearing on the rest of the fleet.

On deck, the spray is impossible to avoid. At least in the Southern Ocean the swells can be timed and you can brace for impact. Right now the sea state is so confused you’ll be hit by stinging spray from the side without ever seeing it coming.

When asked to describe the beat down, Daryl was quick with his analogy; 'It’s probably like being in an upturned bathtub with someone banging on the outside with a hammer.'

Halfway through his watch, the bilge water alarm starts blaring. There’s seawater in the bow.

Quickly running below deck, Parko and Daryl both climb through the forward hatch into the darkened bow to find themselves knee deep in garbage and water. A drain fitting has broken loose causing the J3 tack to leak into the forward compartment where we keep our refuse. With the carbon fiber jumping underneath them, several team members grabbed buckets and spent the better part of 30 minutes draining the bow.

A minor repair that initially looked much worse.

With a face covered in saltwater, Daryl explains, 'I opened up the hatch and the garbage and water pretty much splashed me in the face immediately.'