Sailing conditions have been flaky for the main groups of the fleet, what with wind shadows from mountainous islands, and the trades petering out early ahead of an almost continuous doldrums zone. The failing wind compresses the pack as the leaders slow down, and just about everyone is heading for the same hole – it could end up like a turnstile at the entrance to the next stage of the race. Since the first person through it will then increase his lead as his wind strengthens, no-one wants to stray far from their nearest rivals.
While the competitors are trying to control their frayed nerves and balance sleep against the need to be alert for every change in the wind, let’s take a look at one of the favourites, and certainly the most experienced non-Frenchman left in the race – Mike Golding.
Those of you who followed the 2006 Velux 5 Oceans race will remember how he did a 90-mile beat in heavy weather in the Southern Ocean to rescue Alex Thomson after Alex’s keel snapped – only to be dismasted himself and forced to retire later in the race. The video below tells the heart-rending story.
Never mind the weather – watch the body language.
This video is also imbedded in an excellent interview with yachtpals about a month ago. The more I see of that site, the more I like it.
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