Volo Ocean Race: Like the last turkey at Christmas

Cautious all-clear for the Dongfeng Race Team: Now that the replacement mast of the French-Chinese team has already reached the next stage port of Itajaí and the boat is expected to arrive early Monday morning, nothing should stand in the way of the team's start in the Brazilian harbour race on 18 April. Dongfeng's start in the sixth leg on 19 April also seems assured. In contrast to the demanding organisation of the transport, setting up the rig is almost a trivial matter.

Dongfeng's crew reported almost euphorically from on board the boat yesterday:

"We now have less than 100 nautical miles to go to Itajaí. Everyone on board can hardly wait to reach the harbour and tackle the big task. Unfortunately for the people ashore, we will reach the harbour between 1 and 2 o'clock in the morning. That's about as unsociable as it gets. Sorry guys! Even more fun is the fact that we've all been so well rested for the arrival and the week ahead that we'll be bouncing up the walls and tearing the boat apart like Duracell bunnies.

In fact, we have long since started work on board and packed the bags (both for the food and the spare parts). The safety equipment for the next leg is also packed and the blocks on deck have already had a fresh water bath. Each of us has gone through a small cleaning procedure so that we don't offend anyone when we arrive.

Tomorrow will be a strange day for us because the rest of the fleet will be launching the boats again and getting ready for the next race. And then there's us poor blokes with this pathetic boat that looks like the last turkey in the Christmas shop!!!

But don't worry. Our replacement rig is already waiting for us in Itajaí and is being made up as we write to you. It will soon be presented to its new owner. Hopefully this time it will be a harmonious relationship that will watch over our boys at breakneck speed until the end of the race!

I reckon we'll realistically have a maximum of three days to prepare the boat on land for the next stage. It's going to be one of those really big feats of strength, but strangely enough I'm not worried at all...

Wish us luck. We can't wait to get to Newport to see all our fans who have sent us wonderful and encouraging emails. And invitations to dinner and drinks (we'll accept!!!). We met great people when we were in Newport about a year ago, where we had shipped the boat from China. We had fantastic help and support there as we took the boat, rig and containers to the Newport yard to prepare her for the transatlantic training leg. We can't wait to see you again soon!

All of us here at Dongfeng thank you for being part of the 'Dongfeng Deliveries'. It was fun to have you with us. Hope you enjoyed it too? Greetings from Gringo and his pranksters."

The Dongfeng Race Team led by skipper Charles Caudrelier has worked hard for their comeback and taken their fans on a race against time over the past few days. They have told of shooting stars and pipe dreams, of moonless nights that nevertheless watched over the team with crystal clarity like a protective shield. Of the warming weather and the changing colour of the sea on the way to Itajaí. The grey-blue, windswept sea has become a deep blue, sunlit sea. It shines promisingly on the last few nautical miles into the harbour of Itajaí.