MAPFRE begins a new leg in the Volvo Ocean Race. The fourth one. We left the dock in really good spirits towards the gigantic Buddha a few miles away from the Marina where the Race Village was set up. “It wasn’t the best start, but this is a long and tough leg” said Xabi Fernández.
After rounding the Buddha mark we could make up a bit of the ground lost in the downwind towards the majestic statue. We stayed to windward of the fleet, waiting for the best moment to tack and get in the middle for the 20 knots beat to the Philippines.
The wind started building slowly and so did the sea. So far I’m the only one who’s feeling seasick even after taking the pills. The guys are working really hard, “this is a very long and hard upwind and there are going to be a lot place changes,” says Rafa Trujillo.
At dawn the wind built over 25 knots and we did a reef on the mainsail and peeled from J1 to J2. A lot of spray onboard and Ñeti, Carlos, Willy and Rafa did a quick and great peel. The boat is jumping for good and diving into the waves of the South China Sea. We expect at least another 48 hours upwind.
Vamos MAPFRE!!
Fran Vignale