BLOG
Read moreWe are sailing towards the ice limit and here it doesn’t snow, it hails, so you can do two sports in one. We sail and ski, for when the hail stones gather it gets really slippery and walking on deck gets dangerous.
LEADING THE FLEET
Second moment of joy of the day was seeing ourselves leading the fleet and on the right track. We know in the future things can change and very quickly as well.
Read moreWe were on deck and it was I who was closest to the water. Xabi grabbed my jacket and helped me get out of this terrible situation.
CHINESE GYBE
With this speed and due to a big wave, our boat was completely lying on his side. We were on deck. and it was I who was closest water
Read moreWe’ll get to Cape Horn in 6 or 7 days depending on the ice limit and its movement.
THE ROARING FORTIES
On our way south we have three barriers to cross: the roaring forties, the furious fifties and the cold sixties. Currently, we are in the roaring forties with gusts of 25 knots that are entertaining us a lot.
Read more“It’s a long leg and this will undoubtedly change, it’s a big casino” says Jean Luc, with a cheery tone in his voice to lift our spirits.
NOTHING TO LOSE, EVERYTHING TO WIN
Key moments for the fleet in this leg are coming up: first and foremost, we must decide before March 23 whether we’re taking the northern or the southern route
Read moreIt’s been a good day of repairs and sail changes. We checked where we had leakages, and sealed each one of them.
LITTLE WINDS AND LOT OF SHIFTS
Everybody well onboard and pushing MAPFRE forward with every drop of sweat.
Read moreFor every mile sailed towards the east-southeast, the cold gets more noticeable. Tonight was our third night offshore, and hoods and gloves have made it onto the deck.
FEELING THE COLD AND THE FORCE OF THE SEA
“The next 10 days will be complicated and colder than ever before,” commented Ñeti.
Read moreAfter winning leg 4 MAPFRE is fit and ready to give everything in this leg.
SOUTHERN OCEAN, HERE WE COME!
The fleet is really tight and MAPFRE is sailing in the top three all the time. The landscape around us is amazing and after several gybes we reach the open sea.
Read moreIt wasn’t an easy decision for the Volvo Ocean Race, that’s for sure.
IKER MARTÍNEZ ABOUT THE START
The cyclone is passing now, it’s very strong, and once she’s gone she’ll leave a high pressure behind and, as incredible as it might sound, the wind will decrease really really quick to almost nothing.
Read moreLike full gallop if we were on horseback, hitting the gas if we were in a car, full throttle if we were on a motor boat.
HEART-STOPPING LEG FINISH
Neptune, what a leg finish you’re preparing for us! This is as tight as ever. Excitement and racing do not go along easily but it’s difficult not to let passion drive you mad in such circumstances.
Read moreThree days of solid sailing lay ahead, as well as a high-pressure system which could be interesting to play
LESS THAN 1000NM TO AUCKLAND
We remain in really good spirits and want to clinch that very much wished podium place. So far it’s been a tough leg with lots of breakages. The guys have pushed themselves to the limits, skipping off-watches and really keeping up with the very demanding work on deck.
We need your support
Hey, do you want to tell something to our crew? Give your support now!