Volvo Ocean Race

SI Staff | Nov 4, 2014

Volvo Ocean Race /

Volvo Ocean Race

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.

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.

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.

A full day of steady wind propels Team Alvimedica over the Equator at speed.

Navigator Will Oxley still carries traditional paper charts for every potential destination along the course around the world.

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.

Skipper Charlie Enright (L), watch captain Mark Towill (M), and navigator Will Oxley (R) discuss the timing of the turn south.

Mark Towill, Alberto Bolzan, and Dave Swete converse on deck as the sun sets on their watch.

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.

Nick Dana on the bowsprit looking for wear and tear while the weather is still calm.

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.

Winds lighten and the complicated road to Cape Town begins as the first High pressure system rolls through the fleet.

Leg 1 onboard Team Alvimedica on day 22 with a full sail on the way east.

Constant spray across the deck in fast downwind sailing conditions.

With just 650 miles to Cape Town, the sailing slows considerably as a high-pressure system moves in from the west.

Published Nov 4, 2014

SI STAFF