Team Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing is the superior winner of the fifth leg, ahead of Mapfre, Alvimedica and Brunel. However, Ian Walker's team not only won the direct classification, they also set the speed record: 550 nautical miles in 24 hours on 30 May in the Southern Ocean. "We weren't aiming for the record," said Walker after crossing the finish line. "But when I looked at the log after eight hours, I realised it was possible and we did everything we could to achieve the record. That even brought us back up to the field."
But it wasn't just full-throttle sailing that led to success, on the contrary. "We had up to 50 knots of wind at times," says Walker. "It was more important to reduce the pressure. We therefore dropped the keel (not fully inclined, ed.) and lost ten nautical miles to the others."
Crew management was also a building block for success. "Seven of our eight people are steering, so nobody has to steer for long periods of time. That was particularly important during the tough conditions in the Southern Ocean."
Summary of the finishes
Walker also emphasises the new character of the race that has been created by the single class. "The great thing is that if you sail well, you're good. But if you make mistakes or don't sail well, you don't. I've already had two very difficult races with a boat that wasn't fast enough. You're never sure what the problem is, yourself or the boat."
Commenting on the broken mast of their toughest competitor, Dongfeng Race Team, Walker said: "That had a psychological impact on us. After their cancellation, it was all the more important for us to arrive safely, not so much to win the stage."
Before the start of the fifth stage, it was said that it would show which team was the best and would be in contention for overall victory. In the overall standings, Ian Walker's team is now seven points ahead of the second-placed Dongfeng Race Team after their second stage win.
As a result of their retirement, the battle for second place is completely open again. Team Brunel, which was once again unable to defend a lead of around 50 nautical miles on this leg, is only two points behind Dongfeng with 18 points, but level on points with Mapfre. After their albeit fortunate victory on the previous leg, the Spaniards have now finally caught up with the leaders with second place. However, Team Alvimedica is also right behind them with 19 points.
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing is now the hunted team, but can even afford a retirement on a stage without relinquishing the lead. In addition, the chasing teams will not give each other anything, which could make the defence a little easier.
Team SCA had already lost the connection in the Southern Ocean and was more than 600 nautical miles behind at the finish in Abu Dhabi.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
