The threat of a storm has prompted the race organisers in the Volvo Ocean Race to take a rare measure: The start of the fifth leg from Auckland to Itajaí in Brazil has been postponed by at least one day and will therefore take place on 16 March (Monday) at the earliest. Further postponements cannot be ruled out. Tropical depression "Pam" is storming ahead with winds of up to 200 kilometres per hour and could increase even further on its way south. However, the New Zealand Herald Harbour Race in Auckland next Saturday (14 March) at 2 pm local time will not be postponed.
The race organisers described "Pam" as a "potential hurricane" that could rage violently in the starting waters. The postponement of the start by at least 24 hours is to protect the Volvo Ocean Race fleet. The starting signal will not be given before Monday at 2 p.m. local time and could be postponed even further if conditions deteriorate drastically.
"Safety comes first," said CEO Knut Frostad, "so we are making our decision now, even though we cannot predict the exact course of the storm. This tropical depression is unusually large and blocks the course for our sailors. It is therefore good seamanship to offer them alternatives. Even though the system will pass New Zealand, it could still cause huge waves and rough seas that would cause serious problems for the fleet. Our biggest concern is not so much the wind as the sea. The boats can cope with a lot of wind, but there will be huge waves along the coast of New Zealand that they can't hide from."
However, almost perfect sailing conditions are forecast for the harbour race on Saturday. The good news for thousands of fans on site: the organisers are expecting 20 knots of wind from the east and warm, sunny weather. The race organisation will announce further plans for the start of the fifth leg on Friday.
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
