The jubilation over Team Malizia's victory on the queen's stage is still reverberating. The success at the Cape Horn summit has triggered storms of enthusiasm and all eyes are on Malizia skipper Boris Herrmann, his crew and the duel they won against Kevin Escoffier's Team Holcim - a team that is still in the race. PRB was the judge. After the spectacularly exciting top duel, the two highest podium places of the mammoth stage on 2 April were awarded. The third, however, is still vacant. Two injured crews are battling it out in the Atlantic with all the strength they have left.
11th Hour Racing and Team Biotherm battle for third place
With a good 200 nautical miles to the finish line off Itajaí in Brazil, the 11th Hour Racing and Biotherm teams fought a relentless duel on the 37th day at sea. In light to medium winds, they were looking for the fastest route along the east coast of South America at midday on 4 April. After more than five weeks at sea with various technical problems on board both Imocas, the tough nature of this task is reported bySam Davies from Team Biotherm.
The Brit, who lives in France, had already had to abandon her last Vendée Globe after a "UFO" collision. A few days ago, Team Biotherm, which she is strengthening alongside skipper Paul Meilhat alongside Damien Seguin and Anthony Marchand, was also hit. The French Imoca collided with an unknown object in the water on 31 March. However, it is not "only" the damage to the port foil and the foil box that is causing concern, as the 48-year-old reports in a personal interim report.
The Sam Davies for the tough final spurt to Itajai
"It's true: When you pass Cape Horn, it feels as if you've almost reached the finish line, as if you've already won the race and overcome the biggest challenges. But the last 1,800 miles proved to be just as tough, and the race is far from over!
We were already'blind'We were travelling without wind instruments and therefore with a much less efficient autopilot. But we had learnt to adapt and find ways to make the best of the situation.'Biotherm' out. Then we had to cross an intense low-pressure area, which once again brought us gale-force winds and terrible swells. This led to a series of quite frightening'Wipeouts' - Fortunately with only minor damage. But we could see that'Biotherm'their sails and equipment were getting really tired.
Water entered the boat through the crack."
Then our port foil collided with something in the water three days ago when we were travelling fast with J0 and a full mainsail. The foil was pretty badly damaged as a result. The hull also had a crack around the lower part of the foil box. Water was seeping in through the crack. The impact was very loud due to the cracking in the carbon hull, but not very violent for the crew. It must have been a smaller object. It did not bring the boat to a standstill. Fortunately, nobody was injured.
We carried out a quick damage analysis. Then we first endeavoured to pull in the foils that were jammed in their bearings. We then made a plan on how to fill the cracks in the hull and structure to minimise further water ingress.
We enjoy every mile of racing. No matter what is expected of us."
Fortunately, we have brought the situation under control to such an extent that we can continue sailing towards Itajaí, albeit at a reduced speed. We have enough food on board, as we have enough to eat with our'broken wing' will obviously take longer to reach the finish line. That was another important point to check! However, we only have one last gas bottle left. So I limit my tea consumption so that we don't have to suffer the terrible punishment of eating cold freeze-dried food!
Our team is still smiling and laughing. We enjoy every mile of the race - no matter what we have to put up with! The fewer nautical miles we have to complete, the more little problems crop up. The list is long ... We have to get this baby to Itajaí and her loving land crew as quickly as possible!
We don't think we're the only ones with problems ..."
Despite our'Problems' we caught up with 11th Hour and overtook them in between. So the tension is rising. We don't think we're the only ones with'problems' are on board, and we believe that third place is within our grasp. So, within the limits of our tired boat, we are one hundred per cent motivated to give it our all until the end. As much as I love this team and sailing this amazing boat, I can also confirm that I'm looking forward to a cold beer and a hot shower (in that order!). I think we deserve that!
The two boats are expected to arrive in Itajaí on 5 April between 3 and 8 p.m. German time.
The latest report from the Ocean Race headquarters is also dedicated to the duel for third place:
More about The Ocean Race:
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
