Hard day at the office

Archipelago Raid continues to endure tough conditions

This ninth edition of the Archipelago Raid is certainly demonstrating just why it has the reputation of being one of sailing's most physically draining and mentally taxing events, and not only a fully enjoyable sightseeing tour. Now in its fifth day, the lack of sleep and altered diet are telling on the crews, and the boats bear the scars of many hours of hard sailing (and even paddling) under tough conditions. The end of Leg 7 from Norra Stavsudda to Grinda, and heavy weather and an obstacle-strewn race course have exacted quite a toll on the fleet, with two teams out of the competition completely, and two more retiring from the leg. The terminal casualties were SWE 49; who cannot continue due to having no more daggerboards, and W4; whose hopes have been dashed by a badly torn jib. The temporary retirees were Ursuit and SWE 42, who will rejoin the race in Grinda.

Many of the race fleet had too-close encounters with rocks during the leg, and these accidental impacts are cause for great concern among the teams, who are fast running out of daggerboards. Overall race leaders Eric Proust and Romain Motteau are down to their last intact daggerboard, with no more spares to fall back on, and as a result will have to tread especially carefully in the remaining legs. FG Porsche, who have happily rejoined the race after a two day absence, are sailing with just one, and Ursuit planed to do the same in leg 8. On top of all this, many other boats are sporting various injuries - such as Team Piano's broken boom - which could easily have an effect on the outcome of the race.

Swedish competitor Martin Hållsten's words reflect how extreme this race can be. "We hit a rock twice this morning so one of the daggerboards is really badly damaged and the other is okay. I think we can fix it and do the next start(...) It was really hard to reach with our boat so we were third for half race but then wind was getting stronger and we were reaching and then we don't have any chance (...) and we have to work much harder to keep the boat moving (...) we are extremely tired. This was the worst leg."

And now for the good news. The Norwegian crew of Team Premier Global Services have repaired their damaged hull, and have rejoined the race for leg 8.

Leg 7 was convincingly won by Thule with a big lead over Citus and Audio Network. Citus, who were recalled at the start of leg 8, still lead the overall standings ahead of British Team Audio Network and Swedish Team Thule.

There's still everything to sail for.

Conrad Humphreys reports:

Today was without question the toughest day for me personally. The course was set back in the Swedish Archielago and involved six checkpoints, scattered about hidden in small beaches and narrow gullies.

We got off well and by the third checkpoint we were up to 4th and going fast. We were sailing downwind in the gusty conditions following Will Sunnucks and Eric Proust when suddenly a rock appeared under the water and we smashed both daggerboards.

Ryan was flung around the forestay slamming his knee against the hull. The boat survived but both daggerboards were in pieces. We carried on towards the next checkpoint and tried to tape the flailing carbon skins together to effect a repair.

We arrived at the finish in 9th and set about relaminating one of the boards. We only had a two hour pitstop, to eat, rest and rebuild the boards.

I was on my knees, tired, hungry and feeling like the race was beating me. It's an understatement to say this race is hard. Everything aches, hands are covered in blisters, arms and legs are stiff and you are contantly feeling like you need more calories.

With no rest you're off again for another 100 mile leg. Somehow you dig deep enough to find the strength. Ryan and I have eaten 5000 calories today and still need more food

And sleep.....

Final day tomorrow back to Stockholm. A top ten finish is on the cards, assuming we get through the day without hitting another rock at high speed.

Cheers Conrad