Before that, the crews, most of whom were amateur sailors, had already had to prove their stamina on the leg from Cape Town to New Zealand - across the Indian Ocean.
The German participant in the Ocean Globe Race revealed what she experienced and learnt along the way, Ebru Yaral from Hamburg , in an interview with YACHT before the re-launch in Auckland.
YACHT: Ebru, over 7,000 nautical miles across the Indian Ocean: How was the second leg of this race around the world on board the "Sterna"?
Ebru Yaral: It was definitely greyer, colder and windier than the first one. We had several areas of low pressure and at least two storms, which were quite impressive with winds of almost 60 knots. In one storm, the steering cable broke. We had to wait two days until it was calm enough to replace it.
Your crew had to turn round after the start in Cape Town and have a spot on the mast repaired again in Mossel Bay in South Africa. After the involuntary extra tour finally found your way into sea mode?
We were on pins and needles in Mossel Bay and were frustrated that we had to spend so much time ashore. After the restart, we were incredibly happy to be back at sea. It took a little longer, but then we settled into our daily routine at sea.
Sailing across the Indian Ocean can be very demanding. What was it like for you and what weather conditions did you have to cope with?
It was challenging! We were very lucky that the waves were never higher than five to six metres. Other crews have experienced much higher seas. Due to the delay caused by our repairs, we were quite lonely behind the field and almost felt a little lost in the vastness of the Indian Ocean. But there were also wonderful sunny days when we dried our clothes - the "laundry days".
What was the atmosphere like on board?
90 per cent great. However, after 47 days on 53 feet without contact with the outside world, we did get into a few arguments on bad days. Nothing serious, just a bit of friction and venting a little frustration. But we are still the happiest team!
How did you experience Christmas and New Year's Eve on board?
When we set sail from Mossel Bay, we knew that we would be spending Christmas at sea. On land, we bought presents, Christmas pudding, a beard and hat for Father Christmas. So we were well prepared! We called the organiser on the satellite phone and sent greetings to family and friends. Later, we played a quiz with the crew of the "Explorer", who were also sailing further back, and painstakingly exchanged questions over the radio. It really was a great day!
And how was the turn of the year at sea?
New Year's Eve was a little quieter, but we ate very well again and toasted with the champagne for Cape Horn. We bought a new bottle for Cape Horn here in Auckland.
Boat topic; how did your mast repair work out? Were there any new problems with the boat?
The repairs to the mast and the boom fitting have held up really well. This time, however, a weld seam at the lower end of the boom tore over a good 2.5 metres. In addition, the screws of a connection between the profiles of the furling system came loose, which unfortunately tore a hole in the headsail. We also had to repair several minor issues.
Were you able to enjoy sailing? What did you learn this time?
I definitely enjoyed the sailing! You just have to be well prepared, then even 55 knots of wind and five metre waves are no problem. I think I've become mentally stronger and I'm incredibly happy that I get on very well with everyone, even in difficult situations. I'm getting better and better at steering and can say that I'm now one of the good helmswomen on board.
How is your crew now tackling the third stage?
We are incredibly happy that we made it to Auckland in time for the start of the third leg so that we can start here together with the others. Hopefully this will allow us to keep in touch with each other at sea. That's a real highlight out there.
About the Ocean Globe Race
The Retro race around the world is taking place this year to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Whitbread Round the World Race. On 10 September 2023, 14 crews set off from Southampton on the 27,000-mile voyage, which is divided into four stages and leads through the Southern Ocean and around the three large capes.
The stopovers are in Cape Town in South Africa, Auckland in New Zealand and Punta del Este in Uruguay, before the circumnavigation ends back in the UK in April 2024.
