Ocean races can also be extremely interesting for spectators. At least as far as the start is concerned. Difficult conditions, a media-friendly choice of course and an exemplary broadcast provided sailing enthusiasts with a good hour and a half of exciting entertainment late yesterday afternoon. Or rather pure sailing action.
In any case, the TV recording is a must for all sailing enthusiasts.
The repeat of the start of the second stage
Before the seven teams headed out onto the Indian Ocean for the second leg, they had to complete a course in Table Bay directly below Table Mountain, consisting of room sheet and half-wind courses. While there was almost no wind at the start line in the lee of the mountain, the wind around its western flank whistled across the left side of the course at almost 40 knots. In such conditions, good advice is expensive: which sail configuration is the best on average?
This short, action-packed phase at the start of the second leg also gave an idea of how the individual teams approached the entire race strategically. All teams had reefed the mainsail once, with the exception of Abu Dhabi, which started with two reefs. As the overall leader, they probably didn't want to risk damaging the all-important mainsail so early in the race.
As the race progressed, it also became clear that this configuration was probably the best. Skipper Ian Walker missed the start completely because he got stuck in a doldrums and quickly found himself several hundred metres behind. However, he then caught up very quickly in the stronger wind, while the competition was mainly concerned with getting pressure off the sails.
During the gybe that would lead back to Cape Town, the teams then showed the full spectrum of how such a manoeuvre can be sailed. Mapfre, who were in the lead, were determined to defend it and show that they were capable of more after finishing last on the first leg and in the in-port race. Skipper Iker Martinez tore the boat round the mark in a tight arc, probably remembering his time as an Olympian in the 49er. The mainsail crashed into the leeward stay - the continuous battens could easily have broken. But the material held up.
The Chinese team Dongfeng showed the complete opposite with the Q-tack - actually frowned upon as a "cowardly manoeuvre" - instead of a jibe. Skipper Charles Caudrelier once again has a new Chinese "trainee" on board in Liu Xue. Perhaps that's why he shied away from the risk of a power jibe.
After returning to the slipstream of Table Mountain, the peloton was completely bunched up again, which made the efforts and risks on the other side of the course seem almost ridiculous, as all the leads and gaps disappeared into nothing.
At this morning's position report, all seven teams were still very close together and sailing a south-easterly course, out of the land influence of the Cape of Good Hope. For the next few hours, the main focus will be on the strong Agulhas current, which could shake up the field.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
