Volvo Ocean Race - The fleet commits to southern routing
by Volvo Ocean Race on 24 Mar 2015
Onboard Team Alvimedica - The pace slowly quickens on Day 5 as the next low pressure system moves in, giving the advantage to the fleet to the south. Ryan Houston loading the winch with a new jib sheet after a sail change - Leg five to Itajai - Volvo Ocean Race 2015 Amory Ross / Team Alvimedica
Volvo Ocean Race - A busier day for all!
The fleet has now committed to the southern routing as the option to go north has passed, and life got a little more variety. The wind has veered right over the past 24 hours and the fleet has done at least one gybe. Team Brunel, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Team Alvimedica advanced position on the fleet meant they gybed between 1200 and 1500 UTC, while Team SCA and MAPFRE called it earlier at 1030UTC.
Both these boats are at the back of the front travelling east, which means that they will be the first to get the southwesterly wind, just like Dongfeng Race Team who’s in a more south position. They’ll sail a tight reach to the ice limit number seven.
This will play to the advantage of the leading pack as they will get a warning as to how soon the southwesterlies will arrive for them. It will allow them to plan ahead to manage the wind shift.
The Duchies and the Emiratis will try to keep on the front side of the front for as long as possible. Usually this means pushing as hard as you can, however they also have the conditions to take into account.
With the sea state already rough and the boats still yet to prove themselves in a Southern Ocean onslaught, this may mean they choose to play it safe and only push as hard as the boat close to them.
As mentioned in previous blogs from the boats, the atmosphere has changed this leg. Whilst racing safety must also be factored in, this means you never want to be the boat in last place when heading downwind as any boat in front of you will have a long slog back upwind to find you.
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So, here’s to the race to the front of the pack.
Leader: TBRU
Wind speed: 30 knots
Boat speed SOG (15 mins): 22 knots
Wind direction: 255º - 288º
Lowest boat speed: DFRT (21 knots)
Highest boat speed: ALVI, MAPF, SCA (23 knots)
Lowest wind speed: SCA (28 knots)
Highest wind speed: MAPF (33 knots)
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