Volvo Ocean Race- Blogs from the Boats - Leg 1, Day 3 plus Videos

by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World.nz/com on 15 Oct 2014 Several of the On Board Reporters aboard the Volvo Ocean Race Feet, provide their unique views of Leg 1, Day 3 of the Volvo Ocean Race.

Hear and see how the crews coped with the front that came through in the night

For links to the full blogs click here

October 14, 2014



It’s like World War 1 here, we are the front line troops, we have planes in the skies and submarines below the water. Nico and Wouter really haven’t slept at all. Getting out of the Med proved to be so difficult, a constant change in weather, wind, and waves proves a challenge for all.

It’s really quite hideous outside, and so uncomfortable below deck. Imagine watching TV on a roller coaster. Writing a blog upwind is comparable to giving a 1 year old a typewriter… Evveryy nowws anf thenny a fandom ey gest touvhed…my laptop actually lifted about an inch off the desk as I wrote this.

Brian Carlin, OBR
Team Vestas Wind




The biggest challenge we have had so far was in making it through the night. A malicious front has left us licking our wounds a bit in these early hours of the morning. For now, everyone’s just trying to take care of each other and the boat.

Amory Ross, OBR
Team Alvimedica

Gusts of 30 knots were constantly bouncing the boat, and the guys were running from one place to the other changing sails, trimming, bailing water out, and doing everything possible to get the boat to the lead. We didn’t sleep for the third consecutive day, so some guys are resting now. It seems that every time the sun sets conditions worsen and we have to work at the top of our strength. As far as I’m concerned, I couldn’t make dinner so they only had cereal and protein bars.

Francisco Vignale, OBR
Mapfre




Last night, the wind increased to nearly 30 knots. For the first time since the start of the race, the bridge of the boat is wet by something other than rain. Moisture tends to spread everywhere - every little movement becomes complicated. Finding a balance, and trying to keep it despite the impacts of the hull against the waves. In short, a routine - but a routine that had been a bit lost for a month under the sun of Alicante.

Yann Riou, OBR
Dongfeng Race Team




The day began with little to no wind. At one point in the early hours we were even sailing backwards because there was no wind and too much current! Life on board is 200% different than earlier.

And it’s this extreme difference that cannot only keep life out here interesting but it also can be a (literal) pain. For example, new bruises and aches show up, our stomachs are not 100%, and we’re all somewhat exhausted. Nonetheless, we’re moving forward after all and that’s exactly what we want to be doing.

Corinna Halloran, OBR
Team SCA
Go to team website



Team Vestas Wind was keeping pace as Chuny looked at his old Skipper, Chris Nicholson’s boat wearily. With a flick of the hand as if to swat him away, he grinned and steadied his eyes forward.'It’s not about being more experienced sailor', said Chuny in his friendly broken English. Pointing to his head he continued, 'It’s about being a smarter sailor.'

Over the next several hours into the night, the winds continued to build from the Southwest. Quick to notice the change, Chuny changed sails minutes before it built into the low thirties. A smooth transition in moderate conditions that could have taken much longer in serious conditions; we gained several tenths of a mile.

Matt Knighton, OBR
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing
Go to team website