06.03.2006
From: MOVISTAR QFB LEG FOUR DAY 16
Sent: 06 March 2006 07:27
movistar is back in the water after some hectic last 12 hours.
Hectic because the weather was awful, blowing like hell, squalls up to 45 knots,
and freezing cold rain (it was snowing just above us in the mountains), so
lots of delays before the final laminates could go on to finalize the
repairs. We have made a "simple" repair, and this means that the keel will
stay in the center for this trip. We lose some time during the trip, but
gaining lots of time getting movistar back in the water, which means in
the end a longer repair period in Rio. We had Javier Mendez and his team
(Spanish America’s cup team), plus Britty & Wado from our shore crew non
stop in action for the last 55 hours. Thanks is not good enough for these
guys!!!
For those who don't know Ushuaia. This is the most southern city in the
world and very remote and there are no boat building facilities. The city
council allowed us to use the commercial dock, right in the middle of all
the cruise ships. You can't arrange things without local help, and here is
the classic example how close and helpful the sailing community is when is
come down to helping each other. Thanks to Ellen McArthur, Hugo Boss
sailing team & Ross Field who helped Elly (Eleanor Mordaunt), our
logistics manager getting the right local contacts on the job and as well
for using their facilties and equipment (like fenders etc, etc). Roxanna &
Jonathan Selby were the two local champs, and they pulled all the strings
to make it happen.
As we only had our smelly clothes and boots, we had to go on a little
shopping tour in the high street just after our arrival. The locals
couldn't believe their eyes, some of us walked in shorts & barefoot in 5
degrees, to air the feet, so in no time the rumour spread that we were in
town.
This is it, no further writing from me on this trip. Sit back and enjoy
the rest of the trip dailies from each crew member. No excuses this time.
Bouwe Bekking - Skipper
For media information on the Volvo Ocean Race, please contact:
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Email: lizzie.green@volvooceanrace.org
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