Slow Morning Start

  • Media Crew Member
  • Written on:
  • Check out the 7 Responses
Casey_mast

Leg 4 Day 1 blog from Amory 

Walking into to an empty marina was not exactly the way we wanted to start our morning, but as the last boat to finish yesterday’s course and the last boat to start today’s, that is how it began. Our lonely Mar Mostro sat at the docks, idly awaiting the looming departure and coming storm. Sanya, and China, have been lovely hosts and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed the crowds with their enthusiasm. But, the time to go has come and we’re all excited to get going and take on the challenging road to Auckland on Leg 4.

Our start was fine, though it was not one to be remembered. We drifted across the line by ourselves a little before 8 AM (local), 40 minutes after Telefónica, with only Abu Dhabi still visible around the corner. Naturally, the leaders were the first to arrive at the stronger winds to the east and we had to watch them extend their advantage.

We eventually made it across the morning zephyrs and we’re now going upwind in about 20 knots of wind and an unnecessarily violent wave set. The sea is making life unpleasant for the time being, and nobody expects it to do anything but worsen. We’re all trying to adjust to the ocean life in a hurry, but in the incessant and unpredictable pounding there’s bound to be some suffrage!

- Amory
 

Amory Ross

Media Crew Member

PUMA Ocean racing powered by BERG

 

Photo: Paul Todd/Volvo Ocean Race

Sailing

Comments

Add Your Voice 7

Thorsten

From Berlin
What kind of ocean racing is this, splitting legs into chapters in fear of pirates, strong wind and sea conditions? I want the Whitbread back! Go Steinlager, go!
Feb 20 2012

Gernot

From Vienna, Austria
A different race than in the "Steinlager" days for sure - but I welcome the increase in safety. It is still a tough enough race.
Feb 20 2012

Bobbie Bode

From Cincinnati, OH
Good luck, PUMA. Please be safe. You got the late start but you can do it. Go get them!!!!
Feb 20 2012

Margaret

From US
Yesterday only happened because you were in the lead. You ran into the wind less hole and the rest saw and went a different way. Not your fault! You can and will make it up... but don't forget to consciously experience the thrill of the sea while you are about it. Fly and enjoy!
Feb 20 2012

John

From Texas
Go Puma!!
Feb 20 2012

John

From Brisbane
Over the distance of this leg and the conditions ahead, 40 minutes will be nothing. Go Puma and give us a wave as you sail past Brisbane!
Feb 20 2012

DZUNI DPM

AS LONG ITS PUMA. GONNA MAKE IT. PUMA
Feb 21 2012