wo hours left to the start of Leg 5. A lot of emotions are
flowing right now. There is the anxiety of not knowing exactly
what awaits us down south — the icebergs, the 60-knot gales, and
the mountainous waves. The long leg ahead will bring a lot of
tough moments as well as the prospect of danger. Some of the
biggest challenges most of us will face in our lives will be
experienced in the next 25 days. Some of the best times of our
lives as well.
The start will be hectic. 5000 spectator boats are expected.
While we will be trying to keep our string of winning starts
going, have to keep the big picture in mind — which is getting
out of Auckland without any damage. The forecast for the next 3
days is light air. So, I have to get the crew into light air
mentality. By Wednesday we should begin to feel the effects of
the building northwesterly breeze as a cold front approaches.
The boat looks so full right now. There are 16 waterproof bags of
food, not to mention the sails and spares. Everyone's clothes bag
is stuffed.
Safety First
We have brought an extra piece of gear on this leg —
life jackets — the kind you can wear comfortably. We have the ones
mandated by the rule as well, but most tend not to wear those as
they are water activated and tend to inflate constantly. While
pushing to win, we will keep safety in mind.
Leg of Transition
On this leg we will be in transition a lot. First, we have the
warm temperatures and light air of the next few days, then the
strong winds and icy conditions for twelve days to the Horn.
After that the temperature will get warmer at a fast rate, but the
weather will be less and less stable. Offshore of Rio del La
Plata, B.A., will be the trickiest.
So, it is truly a long leg and one requiring several rejuvenations
of the mind.
As always, I will try to bring it to you in the most accurate way
I can.
Standby for one heck of a leg.
