444 miles to go - Volvo Ocean Race

by Ross Field - Team News Corp on 25 Oct 2001 October 24th, 2001



The meter is ticking over. We are still pushing hard for miles and using
this time as valuable testing for sails, angles and crew training for the
Southern Ocean. It appears, cross fingers, that we have third place locked
up which is satisfying.

Life on board never changes; eating, sleeping and sailing but as of
midnight tonight there will be no more food. We have electro drinks, tea
and a bag of lollies so we'll be looking forward to food at the dock.
It’s been perfect budgeting.

'Channel fever' (an unbalanced mental state when crew approach port) has
set in amongst the crew. After thirty days at sea on a 60 foot boat, they
become a little excited and start making rash decisions.

One crewmember, (nameless) single at the start of the leg, has decided to
move in with his girlfriend (that was two days ago) and now he decided
that he should buy a Volvo station wagon for the baby seat. This is great
entertainment for the veterans on board - it happens in every race..

One more email from Team News Corp tomorrow. I hope the mails have given
a small insight into what goes on onboard and provided you with some
entertainment.

Speak tomorrow.

Thanks.
Ross Field