North Sea goes light

Andreas Hanakamp updates us from Team Russia's qualifier

Team Russia's skipper Andreas Hanakamp sends an update from Kosatka on their third day at sea:

We soon found the south easterlies that accelerated Kosatka towards the north. While it was still Code 0 as they were very light, we were soon going through Code 3 and A2. For a night and half a day the huge 500sqm sail pulled us towards the Shetlands, the halfway and rounding mark for our qualifier sail. It was VO70 sailing a its best; flat water, 15 knots of breeze and the same in boat speed. In the background the hiss of the water rushing past the hull, a light spray being evaporated by the unique Humphreys rails at the bow and a broad flat wake past the stern.

We rounded Shetland today at 14.30 in sunshine, blue sky and 12 knots of breeze. Only a little sad that we are rushing past islands that look very inviting and which I wanted to visit for a long time. But these thoughts easily disappear considering what lies ahead and the amazing project I am involved in. The Shetland Islands will certainly wait for the time the Volvo is over.

Routine has set in on our third day at sea and the technical issues with the watermaker and generator engine all seem to be resolved. It is easy to imagine how it will be in the Race when it is five thousand miles instead of two. In the morning the strategy meeting with Stig, Guillermo and Wouter, the rig check at the first watch change by Oleg, the boat check from Jochen and Nick. Every two hours two fresh guys on deck, while two who have been up for four hours go down. In between sail changes and gybes with full crew presence on deck.

My role is supporting, bringing together, keeping the flow of communication going. Doing my share in helming, trimming and grinding between working with Wouter on strategy and keeping the communication with Michael (Woods) on shore going.

Tomorrow early morning will be decision time how we will handle the low-pressure system that comes in from the Atlantic. We hope it accelerates so we can ride its back. If not we will have to consider working against headwinds on its eastern side.

Position on 16 August at 20.05
Lat 60 4'21.6" N
Long 2 55'13.73"W