The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) has been reached, in short, the Doldrums. Convergence generally means that something collides, in this case the northern and southern hemispheres meet. This usually results in light winds from different directions, thunderstorms and rain.
The latter is forecast for the teams over the next 24 hours. Tropical rain. Added to this is the most tactically demanding section of this stage. At the 9.00 a.m. position report, it was still a good 800 nautical miles to the waypoint Fernando de Noronha, a group of islands off the Brazilian coast. This is where all seven teams have to go and where, as at a course mark in any race, it will become clear who is actually in front and by what margin.
The field is currently spread out, with Team Brunel and Abu Dhabi in the lead in the west and Vestas Wind and Mapfre in the east. There were almost 140 nautical miles between them recently. Team Alvimedica and Dongfeng have positioned themselves in the middle, as has SCA. The women are still fighting to catch up with the field.
Generally speaking, the further west you are, the easier it is to pass the Doldrums. In fact, the two teams in the west recently reported speeds of between eight and nine knots, while Vestas Wind only managed three knots in the east.
The emails from on board last night read like this:
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, reporter Matt Knighton: "Doldrums? What Doldrums? According to the weather models we should have five to ten knots of wind, decreasing. But so far we've had 15 knots all the time and are making good way south."
Team Alvimedica, reporter Amory Ross: "We're drifting somewhere. Nobody can be quite sure what course we're on. The wind is barely perceptible, somewhere between one and two knots. The mainsail is flapping and the winches are constantly turning as the guys on deck try to catch even the slightest breeze."
Ian Walker (Abu Dhabi) about the Doldrums
Accordingly, the lead of the leading duo extended to over 30 nautical miles. The wind came from an average of around 100 degrees, veering between 72 and 130 degrees. The bearing to the waypoint was 197 degrees, an ideal sailing angle.
Actually. Because as the Doldrums are known for their rapidly changing conditions, these lines could already be a waste of time while they are still being posted online. The current course of the race can be viewed in the Race tracker be pursued.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
