| ATLANTIC OCEAN-(31-5-2005) Closer to home than ever, the Volvo Ocean
Race entrant VO 70 “movistar” is fast making its way towards the Azores
Islands, her final stop before reaching Vigo, Spain.
Since leaving Rio de Janeiro last May 17, the RCN Sanxenxo boat has
sailed nearly 3,200 miles North through the Atlantic Ocean, crossing the
legendary zero latitude, the Equator. “This has been one of the most
hysterical moments of the journey, especially for the rest of the crew”
says Iker Martínez, Offshore Helmsman. “But for Xabi and me, it was sheer
misery. As the only two rookies on board who had never crossed the
Equator, our mates prepared us a little private celebration we will never
forget”.
“The last report sent in by the “movistar” indicates they are some 800
miles off the Azores; – calculates Pedro Campos, General Manager – and we
estimate they are just a couple of days from arrival. From the Azores,
they will have to sail 1,000 more miles before reaching Galicia, where we
will cheerfully welcome them next Sunday or maybe Monday”.
Skipper’s log: 750 miles to the Azores
Skipper Bouwe Bekking tells of their treck aboard the “movistar”: “I
don’t know what happened last night, but suddenly we were in the middle
of a storm, not of wind and water but of hundreds of flying fish. While
the slippery creatures rained down upon us from all sides, Xabi screamed
out: “I’ve been hit! I’ve been hit!” and we feared the worst. But when we
checked him out on deck, it turned out that one of the flying fish had
hit his foot with exacting precision. We had a laugh over it and everyone
relaxed a bit. Nonetheless I’m afraid Xabi is going to have to hear this
story for a long time”.
“Life aboard is truly and adventure from all angles. What we all really
want is a bath, something we haven’t been able to do yet – complains Xabi
Fernández, Jib Trimmer – At the speed we are sailing, it’s impossible to
throw a bucket to the sea to collect some water to shower ourselves!”
“We have been sailing northbound since we left Rio de Janeiro- continues
Bekking-, from one latitude to the next; we departed at 22 South and
headed straight toward the 39 North, where the Azores are located. From
there, we’ll change course and sail eastbound, benefitting from the
favourable current and the downwind. I’m confident we’ll pick up good
speed on our way to Vigo”.
“Things are going along at a good pace for the time being, sailing at an
average speed of 14 knots, but we can feel already the first signs of a
high-pressure system, resulting in a shift in the wind direction and an
unstable force”.
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