Leg 3, Cape Town – Melbourne. Skipper Xabi Fernández on board MAPFRE © Jen Edney/MAPFRE/Volvo Ocean Race
Hi there,
100 nm from the Heads and 100 nm of distance to Dongfeng… We do breath now and start thinking we have done this if nothing goes wrong! What a feeling we have on board! After a titanic battle with them and after 10 days of proper Southern Ocean leg we are getting to Melbourne in 1st place in such an important leg.
We are tired and looking forward to getting there but we have to say we have enjoyed every day in this leg. We know we won’t win all the legs and we know how strong the opponents are, that’s why we are so happy. We will spend Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, on shore and we have won a few days of recovery before the next leg starts just in a week. This time is gold and I hope we can make the most of it.
We already have to start thinking about the next leg, of course; check the boat and then check the boat again and again. After a leg like this, I don’t think you can check the boat enough!
Apart from that, try to eat well and healthy, have plenty of sleep and a bit of exercise will be our routine so I hope we can be strong again on the 2nd of January.
Not too much more to report. Everyone is happy especially Sophie, who is arriving to her home with all the friends and family waiting for her on the bay.
Best regards from MAPFRE.
Xabi.
