Ocean Globe Race: Translated 9 significant hull damage to make start line for Leg 4
by Chiara Sansoni 4 Mar 18:03 PST
5 March 2024
Translate 9 - Leg 3 - Ocean Globe Race - February March 2024 © Translate 9
In a remarkable display of resilience and innovation, the Translated 9 team has overcome significant adversity and is now back in the race, fully prepared and eager to tackle Leg 4 of the Ocean Globe Race with the ambition to win it.
Despite diverting to the Falkland Islands / Islas Malvinas on February 10th with significant hull damage and facing seemingly unsurmountable challenges to repair it due to the local logistical constraints, the crew's unwavering spirit turned the tide, defying the odds.
The lack of a crane for lifting the boat and the absence of necessary materials for repairs did not deter the team. Instead, their resourcefulness shone through as they successfully enlisted the help of a nearby cargo ship to utilize its crane, and welded together various metal parts found on the island to, literally, build a cradle for Translated 9 at the same time as the crane was moving the boat.
Thanks to a Starlink connection, they were able to reach out to Sebastien Diaz, an adventurous plane pilot based in Santiago de Chile, who played a crucial role in overcoming the challenges posed by the geopolitical tensions affecting the region.
Thanks to Diaz's unwavering determination and tenacity, they were able to reach the Falklands / Malvinas by installing an additional internal fuel tank inside the cabin. This made it possible to secure the necessary fiberglass for repairs, bypassing the Argentine airspace. This operation exemplifies the team's commitment to the race, their ingenuity, and their ability to navigate not only treacherous waters but also complex challenges.
The local community of the Falklands / Malvinas also played a vital role in this journey, with, for example, the community offering their gym space to perform sail repairs. This collective effort culminated on February 19th, when Translated 9 was put again in the water by the cargo ship, sailed safely to Punta del Este, and passed the final inspection, fully ready to sail Leg 4.
The entire crew, led by Marco Trombetti and Simon Curwen, have been instrumental to this achievement. While Nico Malingri worked on the fiberglass repair, Pietro Luciani, Niccolò Banfi, Derin Binaroglu and Baptiste Gillot-Devillers worked tirelessly to prepare the boat for leg 4. With Emiel Joye fine-tuning the boat’s logistics, Connie Stevens worked on the sail repairs and people logistics, while Ezgim Mistikoglu worked on sails, project management and media.
In light of these extraordinary achievements, the owner, Marco Trombetti, has appointed Nico Malingri as co-skipper of the Translated 9 adventure joining co-skippers Vittorio Malingri, Simon Curwen, and Marco himself. This promotion recognizes Nico's outstanding performance as a sailor in the first three legs and his exceptional competence, perseverance, and leadership in repairing the boat. This is also our way to, in the spirit of the original Whitbread, support and celebrate the growth of the young members of the crew.
The team wishes to also extend heartfelt thanks to Andrea Herlin, Andrea Maggiorelli, and Claudia Palisi of the Maserati team for their invaluable remote support; to Paul Peggs, Stuart Barrett and Richard Pilcher for flying from the UK on a military cargo plane to provide help; and to Stefano Pelizza for the overnight structural engineering services. Our special recognition and the most profound gratitude are reserved for Paul and Sally Ellis, whose incredible level of support in the Falklands / Malvinas went beyond our wildest expectations. Their generosity and assistance were pivotal in enabling the team to overcome the logistical and technical challenges faced, embodying the very spirit of human solidarity that Translated champions.
This leg of the race is not just another chapter for Translated 9; it's a testament to human ingenuity, determination, and the power of collaboration. Their journey from the Falklands / Malvinas to Punta del Este is a true affirmation that, indeed, "We believe in humans."
As Translated 9 sets its sights on Leg 4, the team is not just participating; they are committed to winning the leg, aiming to secure their place as one of the most successful boats in the history of around-the-world racing. Their story is a vivid reminder that with heart, courage and resourcefulness, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
For further information and updates on Translated 9's journey, visit www.translated.com/9.
Find out more at oceangloberace.com