Volvo Ocean Race - Dongfeng bound for the Roaring Forties

by Yann Riou on 1 Nov 2014 Yann Riou reports on the progress of Dongfeng Race Team in the Volvo Ocean Race as they head for the Roaring Forties.

Key Facts:

Weather conditions: Reaching 20-22 knots
Position of the boat at sea: What seems like in the middle of nowhere
Position of the boat in the fleet: Fourth (we think)

First Albatross: This morning we saw our first albatross. Surprising, because we were only at 32 degrees south. We wondered what it was doing there… Holiday up north? We didn’t see any others.

A diving spoon: This morning, while trying to wash it, I dropped a food ladle feel overboard. It must be by 4,000 meters underwater now, and it must have taken it a few hours. I’m curious to know what happened to it. In the meantime, we have to help ourselves with a small spoon and a clamp for the pasta… This is not so practical.

A first for… Eric, Thomas, Wolf and Horace will sail tomorrow for the first time in 40 degrees south. Even though they are focused on the racing, Eric and Thomas are not taking this lightly. It’s something you want to do when you’re an offshore racer. It’s not the same for Wolf and Horace. We can see that the Roaring Forties legend didn’t really make it to China. Up to us to change this!

Have a nice Dongfeng Race Team website