The Volvo Ocean Race has never been so close. After five days of sailing, all seven boats were within sight of each other in the early hours of this morning and within just six nautical miles of each other. As a reminder: four years ago, two out of six yachts had already been eliminated at this point, and the four remaining boats were more than 100 nautical miles apart. "It's incredible how compressed the field is," writes Abu Dhabi reporter Matt Knighton. "The race veterans are impressed."
The onboard video from Team Dongfeng shows how close it can sometimes be between the rivals.
Onboard Team Dongfeng
After four days, a trend now seems to be emerging: With the introduction of the single class, the character of the race appears to be changing. In the first few days, the tactics of all teams resembled what is typical for sailing in other one-discipline classes, such as the Olympic disciplines: There, an important commandment for the early phase of a race is not to risk extreme strokes. Although moving away from the main field can give you a big head start, it also harbours the risk of losing ground that is almost impossible to catch up with. Team SCA's solo run through the Strait of Gibraltar was an example of such a gain, while Team Vestas Wind's dash across the Atlantic resulted in a heavy loss. (The Danish team had also previously caught seaweed and lost the antenna from the AIS yesterday. There were also reports of various leaks, including on a grinder, which had already submerged a laptop, and the hydraulic keel could no longer be raised to the limit. However, all the damage could be repaired).
If the material is of equal value, as in strict one-size-fits-all classes, it is a question of self-confidence to stay close to the opponents, wait for their mistakes and gain small advantages for yourself, be it through superior navigation or better manoeuvring technique. Sailing away from the main field is always a matter of luck and is really only reserved for those who are hopelessly astern. However, this has not been the case for any team so far.
However, the increasingly weaker winds off the African coast have ensured that the field has become extremely tight again. The tactics are currently determined by an area of high pressure over the Canary Islands. The field is sailing close under the African coast past the archipelago and is trying to catch as much of the thermal winds as possible. The big challenge for the navigators will be to determine the right time to jump off to the west in order to travel on the back of the trade winds. (The boats have to head west because the Fernando de Noronha archipelago off the Brazilian coast is to be left on the port side).
Of course, it is also important to arrive in one piece. This does not seem to be a matter of course, as there are more and more reports of injuries. The Spaniard Carlos Hernández from Team Mapfre was hit on the chin (by whom is not described) and was banned below deck for 24 hours by the doctor. Amory Ross, a reporter from Team Alvimedica, slipped on the deck, dislocated his shoulder, but put it back in place himself. Tony Rae from Team Vestas Wind shows just how tough these guys - and women - have to be. He seriously injured the ribs on his right side during training, but kept the injury a secret. "I didn't want my mum to worry," he says. His rib cage is held together with tape and plates. His succinct comment: "I do a lot more with my left side than my right."
In the latest position report, the field had spread out again somewhat. There were 14 nautical miles between Team Dongfeng at the front and Vestas Wind at the back.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
