“Everything to win, nothing to lose” is the quote from our team mate Rafa Trujillo via email before the start of the leg.
“MAPFRE” had a difficult start in this race and has been climbing progressively and becoming one of the strongest teams.
Today we have the real possibility of being second or third in the overall! – something that without any doubt is possible, and with a good performance in this leg and a little bit of luck, the coin can flip to our side.
During a very tight start, we have enjoyed a fantastic afternoon in the race field with the other competitors in an euphoric atmosphere cheered on by the fans.
Speaking with Jean-Luc [Nélias, navigator] I find him a little bit worried and very focused on his screen one hour before the start and he tells me: “I have to look out for 192 waypoints. It will be two days without even closing my eyes.”
The team is feeling strong and sailing very well. The manoeuvres along the course have been perfect and the sail changes fantastic.
Like a Swiss watch we are following the computer routing. Sharp on time, matching the routing.
Sunset is VERY late, more than we thought. It was 2200 UTC and it was still light on deck. A very short night. Sunrise was at 0240 UTC.
The fleet is very tight since the beginning until now. We will get to the pitstop with no changes. Nobody has taken risky options and I don’t believe there was space to take them.
Let’s take the podium!
Vamos MAPFRE!
Francisco Vignale, OBR
