And they are off.......

[Grebo]

We went down to see the boys off on saturday.
Volvo Ocean Race 2011.







I was going to try posting a video but the pro's do a much better job. And had the helicopters  :P

We are rooting for Camper  ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDwpTQ8VCiU

Suzi

[kodydog]

That's exciting Suzi. Its amazing some of those little boats don't get hit. Especially around the buoys. I guess the first part of the race shows the agility of  the boat before they head out to open sea.

[Grebo]

Yes it was good entertainment, I forgot to mention that you should look at the colour of the sky. There was a stiff breeze blowing offshore which gave then a pretty flat sea.
I was recording when Sanya & Abu Dabi had the bump near the start line, I didn't realise that they had actually made contact until later.
Have you heard the latest ? Abu Dhabi got dis masted & Sanya have headed for port as they have holed the bow section....
Abu Dhabi is now back in Alicante getting the new mast fitted.

Suzi

[bobbin]

It's quite a haul to Cape Town.  I think you have to have a screw loose to sign on for that sort of sailing, but it sure is fun to watch.  How was the other boat dismasted? 

[Mike8560]

Ia thet were the race ends Cape Town ?

[Grebo]

Tell you what bobbin, I like a bit of a thrash around the cans. But these boats are so bare & 'shiny' I wouldn't feel safe going out to sea let along round the world  :o  So exposed out side & all hard & cold inside. No where to snuggle up with a nice hot cuppa.

Only Abu Dhabi dismasted, Sanya must have hit something. She's now out of leg 1 needs major surgery.

No Mike, just Leg one. It's round the world......

Suzi

[bobbin]

It's a special sort of sailor that's willing to undertake that sort of voyage.  I can't remember her name, Ellen? but she single handed a world race and I recall footage of her climbing the mast in heavy seas to effect some sort of repair.  I was sweating just watching her, for Pete's sake. 

Very exciting.  Keep us updated for time to time, OK?

[Grebo]

Will do bobbin, but now they are out of here the best updates are on U tube.
The VOR site it's self is, hmm not terribly good  ;)

Adu Dhabi are working hard on getting the mast replaced, the new one arrived even before the boat got back, they man handled the broken one off. I believe they are going to try getting away on Thursday.

Suzi

[Grebo]

Just to let you know, Adu Dhabi got away from Alicante last night.
Looking at the rest of the fleet they have a far chance to catch up !

Suzi

[Grebo]

Well, I got that wrong then... Abu Dhabi have just retired from leg one.  :-X

Suzi

[bobbin]

I bet the crew and sponsors are really disappointed.  It's not just the money, the crew are sailors and they love doing it and missing the opportunity must be a drag.

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[Mike8560]

 did theybhit another  boat?
Wel next time. How often is this race. I'm not a sailor so I don't keep up

[Grebo]

I bet the crew and sponsors are really disappointed.  It's not just the money, the crew are sailors and they love doing it and missing the opportunity must be a drag.

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I believe the thinking behind the retirement was that by the time they got into Cape Town that they wouldn't have time to get ready for leg 2. So shipping the boat down.

Well I guess it's only leg one of 9 so there is some sense in it  ::)

Hopefully Leg 2 will start with all 6 boats again.

Mike I think it's every 3 years. I believe next time it's starting here again....

Suzi