For Volvo Ocean Race competitors Puma Ocean Racing, the brutal slamming conditions of the South China Sea are tiring and taking a toll. From onboard Puma, MCM Amory Ross writes:
'The realities of the coming complications are setting in. Our predicted 18-day leg has turned into a 20-day one, maybe even 21 or 22; it is hard to know as the models keep changing. We’ve started setting food aside and are mindful of our valuable resources like propane and toilet paper. Yesterday’s lunch was recycled, and with a little hot water became yesterday’s dinner, too. It’s only Day 3, so that was a bit of a shock!
'A lengthy detour around the top of Taiwan is very much an option to consider at the moment, with forecasts for the strait between its southern tip and the Philippines looking light and doldrumsie. It’s not a question of whether we continue north or not – both routes take us that direction – but when and where we choose to sail it, and choosing the option that gets us east the fastest.
'If we go north now and leave Taiwan to starboard, we’ll likely have an easier time getting east once up there. But we would risk strong adverse currents and of course the high level of commitment it requires; there’s no 'bailing out' if we change our mind… If we choose the straits and aim for the Philippines, our options remain open. Though the light forecast is uncertain, it is probably the less risky option and we could well have a chance at reconnecting with the fleet in a compression scenario. Conversely, we could get stuck – again – and have a difficult time getting out of there while the rest of the guys sail away in a different breeze.
'This is a crucial moment in the leg and there’s obviously a lot at stake. It has already been a busy day of decision-making, but I’d be surprised to see us be anything but conservative. It appears like all of the other boats have chosen the Philippines route, but anything can happen in the next day and a half. At least we don’t have to worry about losing the lead!'
Photographs are copyright by law. If you wish to use or buy a photograph you must contact the photographer directly (there is a hyperlink in most cases to their website, or do a Google search.) with your request.
Please do not contact
Sail-World.com
as we cannot give permission for use of other photographer’s images.
Customised news feeds -Marine Industry companies, Clubs and Associations have their own customised version of our news feed on their website. Look_here_to_see_examples
