Team Malizia's navigator Nico Lunven was injured at the start of the fourth leg of the Ocean Race. A headsail sheet hit the Frenchman so badly that he suffered cuts and abrasions. The team consulted a doctor for optimal treatment. Lunven was quickly fit for action again and was also able to take care of the routing on the 5,500 nautical mile leg from Itajaí to Newport overnight.
Like a boxer after losing a fight
"I feel like a boxer who has lost a fight, but it's okay," said Lunven succinctly. And was then able to joke again: "I think I have a great career ahead of me." It didn't take long the following day for Team Malizia to move up to second place behind Kevin Escoffier's Team Holcim - PRB. Around 30 hours after the start, all the boats were still close together on 24 April. The Swiss in the lead and Guyot Environnement - Team Europe in fifth place were separated by just a few nautical miles.
"Guyot" sailor Annie Lush predicted before the start of the fourth leg of the Ocean Race on her third circumnavigation: "It's going to be a trim race". She was referring to the close competition on this leg, in which the factors of sail trim and boat speed will be decisive. As the fleet races towards the south-east, the aim is to get away from the windless Brazilian coast as quickly as possible.
Better safe than sorry ...
With weak pressure around eight to twelve knots from the east-northeast, the crews have to react to gusts and opponents in recurring rain showers. "The wind is very fickle," said "Holcim - PRB" skipper Kevin Escoffier, "but we have to deal with it. Instead of putting all our eggs in one basket, it's better to play with the small shifts. If you're not sure, it's better to play it safe." In other words: extreme solo runs and breakout attempts are not to be expected for the time being.
Still in action despite a bloody nose: Nico Lunven comments on his accident:
With comments from the sailors at sea - click here for the day's summary:
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
