Volvo Ocean Race
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Volvo Ocean Race
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Day of the Cape Verdes transit and decision time for the Equator/Doldrums approach. Ryan Houston, Seb Marsset, and Dave Swete enjoying a final afternoon of fast Tradewind sailing on the way south towards the Equator.
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The third day in the clutches of the Doldrums brings no breaks for Team Alvimedica, still searching for consistent winds and a way south with the fleet. Charlie Enright (T) and Mark Towill (B) catch some sleep in the bow where weight is best kept in light winds.
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King Neptune makes a visit to Team Alvimedica to welcome Charlie Enright (R), Mark Towill (L), and Alberto Bolzan (M) into his domain for the first time.
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A full day of steady wind propels Team Alvimedica over the Equator at speed.
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Navigator Will Oxley still carries traditional paper charts for every potential destination along the course around the world.
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The brain-trust in the nav station: Will Oxley (L), Mark Towill (M), and Charlie Enright (R) dissect the latest weather information, crucial in determining the time to turn east for Cape Town.
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Skipper Charlie Enright (L), watch captain Mark Towill (M), and navigator Will Oxley (R) discuss the timing of the turn south.
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Mark Towill, Alberto Bolzan, and Dave Swete converse on deck as the sun sets on their watch.
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Temps drop abruptly for the beginning of Day 19, as the fleet sails due south looking for strong westerly winds to turn for Cape Town.
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Nick Dana on the bowsprit looking for wear and tear while the weather is still calm.
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A 6 a.m. jibe east and an early build in windspeed keep Team Alvimedica on their toes with a week of hard sailing left until Cape Town.
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Winds lighten and the complicated road to Cape Town begins as the first High pressure system rolls through the fleet.
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Leg 1 onboard Team Alvimedica on day 22 with a full sail on the way east.
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Constant spray across the deck in fast downwind sailing conditions.
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With just 650 miles to Cape Town, the sailing slows considerably as a high-pressure system moves in from the west.