The first half of the eighth stage from Itajaí to Newport is almost done, most of the boats have crossed the equator. The Volvo Ocean Race fleet is back in the northern hemisphere, but still has a good 3,000 nautical miles to travel to the American port of destination. At the top, Vestas 11th Hour Racing has taken the lead just ahead of Dongfeng, Team Brunel and Turn the Tide on Plastic. The four teams separated only four nautical miles on Monday afternoon.
So the intermediate results on the eighth day of the eighth stage: Vestas 11th Hour Racing led on Monday afternoon in front of Donfeng, Brunel and the Turn the Tide on Plastic team
Why the Spanish team Mapfre, which was only in 6th place, seemed a bit slow in the meantime and lagged behind, is now also clear: Xabí Fernandez and his crew had to fight a total failure of the electronics, which is why the computer that controls the keel pump did not work either - a real one Handicap in the neck battle on course north. Mapfres on-board technicians have now overcome the problem and can now move the keel using a newly installed simple switch near the keel mechanics below deck. No sooner had this succeeded than within a few hours the red boat had made up many nautical miles on the leading boats.
After one of the countless rain showers near the equator: Brunel skipper Bouwe Bekking and his watch on board the yellow boat
Beautiful drone image captured by Mapfres on-board reporter Ugo Fonolla
Circumnavigator and Volvo Ocean Race commentator: Conrad Colman
On land, however, commentator Conrad Colmann provided stimulating topics for discussion. A circumnavigator himself, he was asked to put together his personal dream team for a four-man guard, including himself, with whom Colman would ideally like to work in the Volvo Ocean Race. Colman's choice: Dongfeng skipper Charles Caudrelier (44) due to his experience, his all-round skills and his intensity as a regatta and former Figaro sailor. Nicolas Lunven from Dee Caffari's Turn the Tide on Plastic team as an experienced navigator and Figaro winner in 2009. In addition, Francesc Clapcich - also from the Turn the Tide on Plastic team - because of her skills in making boats fast. The two-time Olympic participant, crossfit trainer and 49erFX world champion, who is over 1.80 meters tall, is physically one of the most powerful athletes among all sailors in the current 13th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race. "Hardly anyone reaches their strength," said Colman.
The "power house" in Dee Caffari's team Turn the Tide on Plastic: Francesc Clapcich would like to have circumnavigator and Volvo Ocean Race commentator Conrad Colman on his team
Conrad Colman would bring this former Figaro winner and man with a great sense of navigation into his watch: Nicolas Lunven
Daryl Wislang indicates it: Skipper Charles Caudrelier, for the third time in the Volvo Ocean Race and for the second time as skipper responsible for the Dongfeng Race Team, steers the team on the road to success
There is now a lively discussion on social networks about who are the best sailors of the current edition. All three participants named by Colman are currently sailing with their teams in the top group.
Click here for the tracker, which remains live for the entire eighth stage.