Volvo Ocean Race- Team Brunel and Team Alvimedica are pushing harder
by Volvo Ocean Race on 19 Mar 2015
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing tackles steep and angry seas as they pass East Cape, the eastern-most point of New Zealand - Volvo Ocean Race 2015 Ainhoa Sanchez/Volvo Ocean Race
On Day 2 of Leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race, there have been nasty conditions in the last 12 hours: 30 knots of breeze in five–six metre waves (16.4–19.7 feet). That has led to a fast ride for the fleet with average speeds between 18 and 21 knots of average speed.
It’s been hard to live and sleep below deck. Team Brunel and Team Alvimedica have been pushing one knot harder than the rest of the fleet. Both have similar speeds and the top average of 21 knots over the last 12 hours.
The two teams are located further north of the fleet. The orange and black boat of Alvimedica made a bold move north around 0300 UTC when Charlie’s Enright crew decided to position themselves north of the Dutch. The lateral distance between the two boats is 14 nautical miles (nm).
On the other hand, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing is leading the southern pack, 70nm southeast of Team Alvimedica. The Emiratis have had an average speed of 20 knots.
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s Onboard Reporter, Matt Knighton, summed up the situation nicely: 'All six teams have spread themselves out north to south taking bets on which part of the dying breeze and waves of Cyclone Pam will pay out.
'Not surprisingly, we’ve got Dongfeng shadowing us only a few miles behind. We’re aiming at the top of the remnants of Pam and although we’re going to have decent breeze over the next 24 hours, it’s forecast to die as the low moves away from us faster than we can sail to keep in it.
'Wind speed is around 30 knots right now and we’re doing around 20-22. It’s very bumpy onboard and loud from the waves crashing on deck. A few bouts of seasickness – we’re getting banged around just trying to take a leak.'
MAPFRE and Dongfeng Race Team are just ten nm northeast behind Ian Walker’s crew. The two red boats have been the slowest on average doing 19 knots. Team SCA has been taking a more neutral approach.
They are right in the middle of the fleet and are as fast as Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing on 20 knots in average.
Their Onboard Reporter Anna-Lena Elled writes: 'The SCA boat is rocking. We have got salt water splashing all over deck and quite a lot inside the boat as well. Condensation is dripping from the ceiling and we can already feel the temperature sinking.
'The sailing conditions are spectacular. The waves are big. We have 12 hours of fast reaching behind us. Some of the girls found their sea legs quickly, others are still struggling. The gentle start feels very far away.'
Leader: Team Brunel
Wind speed: 23-30 knots
Boat speed SOG (15 mins): 20-22 knots
Wind direction: 217º - 241º
Lowest boat speed: MAPF (19.2 knots)
Highest boat speed: ALVI (21.8 knots)
Lowest wind speed: SCA (23 knots)
Highest wind speed: MAPF, BRU (30 knots)
Ice limit changes on March 18
Leg five Sailing Instructions Amendment six has been posted and communicated to the boats, with the following changes to ice limits one to eleven. Ice limits 12 to 24 have not been changed.
1 55° 00.000'S 150° 00.000'W
2 55° 00.000'S 145° 00.000'W
3 55° 00.000'S 140° 00.000'W
4 54° 30.000'S 135° 00.000'W
5 54° 30.000'S 130° 00.000'W
6 54° 30.000'S 125° 00.000'W
7 53° 00.000'S 120° 00.000'W
8 53° 00.000'S 115° 00.000'W
9 53° 00.000'S 110° 00.000'W
10 54° 30.000'S 105° 00.000'W
11 57° 15.000'S 100° 00.000'W
Position report list
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