From the fleet...

From Robert Stanjek on GUYOT environnement - Team Europe:

The 2.5 inshore laps at the start in Cape Town were a little hectic with winds up to 35 knots. But we managed to keep the boat in one piece. Then it took us a while to cross the wind shadow of Table Mountain.

West of the Cape we found the strong SE wind again and started foiling upwind into the leg in 3rd position. Everyone on the team was very tired from this intense day.

Next midday the wind started to drop as we got closer to the ridge. At some point we where sailing in strong, strong currents from the WSW which even pushed us backwards for a while. All in all we did well with crossing the ridge and moved into 2nd position.

Now the wind has picked up a lot. We saw up to 32 knots. At the moment we are downwind with the FR0 (fractional code zero headsail) and 1st reef in a little less wind but bigger waves. Not so easy to drive.

The team is working well. We are happy with the beginning of this epic leg. ?

Robert

Guyot Environnement Team Europe

© Amory Ross / 11th Hour Racing Team / The Ocean Race

From Amory Ross, 11th Hour Racing Team

Up until the moment I planned on writing this, which is about two hours ago, the biggest feature of the leg so far would have been the meandering Agulhas current. It’s warm water makes life onboard hot, especially when you’re in thermals and dressed for the cold, and uncomfortable as it tends to run opposite the wind and makes for a messy and confused sea state. We have spent more time in it then we planned and that’s largely because it’s underwater and very hard to forecast.

What hasn’t been hard to forecast is the low we’ve recently engaged, around two hours ago. Heading south we knew we’d eventually intersect it’s easterly course, and the plan was always go as far as we dare into its nucleus before gybing and riding its perimeters east. Sure enough it got windy quickly, 25-35 knots from the west, and we collectively agreed that was more than enough wind in these big South Atlantic waves. We’ve since gybed and put in two reefs. It’s a “relatively” conservative setup but we believe the averages will be good and that’s what we’re after.

We spent a lot of time after the last leg discussing when to race the weather and when to race the fleet, and it’s pretty clear we are racing the weather at the moment. I’m sure all the other boats feel the same way. Get through this low and then figure out who is where and go from there! The biggest priority for the next few days is making sure this boat and the five of us onboard stay in good shape, and that we maintain the ability to sail fast in whichever direction we choose. I’m sure, when the winds abate and the blinds open, scheds will matter more and positioning will again be a priority, but for now it’s acclimating to these new conditions and keeping everything under control!

-- Amo

www.theoceanrace.com

Cover photo © Charles Drapeau / Guyot Environnement - Team Europe