Volvo Ocean Race - Puma Ocean Racing join Movember mustache drive

by Amory Ross on 14 Nov 2011 Volvo Ocean Race is on the tenth day of racing for leg one. Amory Ross, MCM, onboard Puma Ocean Racing powered by Berg reports on the crew's progress:

All fleet-battering, boat-breaking, upwind-slamming aside, this leg has been a lot of fun for everyone. There’s no sense coming out here and working so hard if you can’t enjoy it, too. As we approach the Doldrums and the warmer, drier weather, the mood is lightening some.

The equator is just over the horizon and Rome and I are wary; we know King Neptune’s out there and we’re concerned. Rome’s admitted he’ll have one good swing in him, and I’ve done my part to ensure all leftover food gets thrown over the side as soon as possible. Unfortunately, nothing can be done to keep the flying fish away.

Kelvin might actually have stolen his kid’s Marmo floppy hat, too, and it wouldn’t be misleading to suggest there weren’t a few of us jealous enough to borrow it. The hat looks comfortable and is certainly appropriate to the Puma’s Mar Mostro monster livery. Team issued gear for leg 2?

It sounds like some of you are aware, but we’re joining in on the Movember mustache drive in support of prostate cancer. Kenny’s mustache is, as he predicted, lame – but he’s right: it is better than Rome’s, who might be the only guy on the boat not to have any facial hair at all. Another early adopter is Tony, who’s already embraced the handlebar Harley look. I wish Telefónica could see, as they might be less enthusiastic in catching up.

Incidentally, Telefónica is doing an incredibly good job of catching up. We cannot seem to lose them. They are sailing really well and gaining a few miles every sched. It’s going to make the light-air sailing just around the corner very tense, and it will surely keep our guys working hard to take back some of the miles before we get there. Even Camper is coming on strong in these shifty conditions and they’ll play a part, too. Our Doldrums course is still undecided, and our point of entry still unknown, there’s obviously a lot that can happen between now and then! Puma Ocean Racing website