Volvo Ocean Race – Epic day for leading fleet
by Volvo Ocean Race on 31 Mar 2015
Team Alvimedica leads the Volvo Ocean 65 fleet around Cape Horn - Volvo Ocean Race 2015 Rick Tomlinson/Volvo Ocean Race
http://www.volvooceanrace.com
Volvo Ocean Race – Yesterday was an epic day for the leading fleet as they rounded Cape Horn. Team Alvimedica was first out of the Southern Ocean and to cross the Atlantic Ocean for the second time this race.
[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]
The crews had a busy time, not only racing their boats and enjoying the spectacle but also sharing the moment with the world as each boat in turn called into Volvo Ocean Race headquarters to be part of the live coverage around Cape Horn.
This was a first for yacht racing coverage, live video connections from one of the most remote corners of the world to so many of the racing fleet. Inmarsat’s connection capabilities brought the even alive to over 6500 viewers watching at home - and a few in the office, too.
There were no points on offer as they rounded the Cape but Team Alvimedica scored the kudos and pride of being first to this most iconic landmark. Hot on their heels and pushing hard to spoil Team Alvimedica party was Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. Their more southerly course had not worked out in the final approaches.
Rounding the Cape for the first four boats was not only a geographic milestone passed but also recognition that they have made it out of the Southern Ocean safely and are heading north towards the Falkland Islands.
Still battling with the elements and some electrical issues, Team SCA have made good progress and are now sailing in 24 knots of wind at a steady 13 knots of boat speed.
They are in good spirits but with 348 nm still to sail to Cape Horn, the rounding cannot come fast enough. The forecast for Team SCA is for the wind to continue WNW backing West, flow of 25-35 kts
Dongfeng has finally made land fall under their own sails to the mouth of the Beagle Chanel. They finally admitted that it would be unsafe to proceed under sail alone.
The weary sailors suspended racing at 0130 UTC. They entered the tricky passage with the aid and assistance from the Chilean Navy who escorted them through.
They are currently on the motoring up the narrow Beagle Channel on the way to Ushuaia where they will take stock of the situation. Stay tuned for updates.
Back at the front of the fleet there is a battle on for the lead between Team Alvimedica and Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. It’s nip and tuck but Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing tacking has seen them take the upper hand at the most recent position report.
Leader: ADOR
Wind speed: 21.9-27.7 knots
Boat speed SOG (15 mins): 14.8-23.3 knots
Wind direction: 259º - 285º
Lowest boat speed: SCA (15.4 knots)
Highest boat speed: MAPF (21.7 knots)
Lowest wind speed: SCA (21.9 knots)
Highest wind speed: MAPF (27.7 knots)
| Position report at: 31 Mar 06:40 UTC / Updated 3 hourly |
DTL
(NM)
|
GAIN/LOSS
(NM)
|
DTF
(NM)
|
Speed
(kt)
|
 |
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing |
0 |
0 |
1689.8 |
20 |
 |
Team Alvimedica |
0.3 |
0 |
1690.2 |
20 |
 |
MAPFRE |
13 |
 4 |
1702.8 |
22 |
 |
Team Brunel |
21.2 |
 1 |
1711 |
20 |
 |
Team SCA |
597.8 |
38 |
2287.6 |
15 |
 |
Dongfeng Race Team |
SUSPENDED RACING |
 |
Team Vestas Wind |
DID NOT START |
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/132990
