20.02.2009
PUMA fighting for the lead during longest leg of Volvo Ocean Race
February 20, 2009 – PUMA’s first week at sea during the epic 40 day leg
from Qingdao, China to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the longest ever leg of the
Volvo Ocean Race, has been wet and wild. In negotiating their way from
freezing China to pass the southern tip of Japan en route into the Pacific
Ocean, the largest ocean on earth, the PUMA Ocean Racing team and close
rival Ericsson 4 have been sailing barely more than a few miles apart.
However, the upcoming equator crossing, which almost always goes
hand-in-hand with light winds, is likely to shake up the fleet.
Early next week, the PUMA Ocean Racing team will cross the equator for the
third time during this race, as they delve south towards New Zealand and
on towards the notorious sailing landmark, Cape Horn. Once more the Volvo
Ocean Race fleet is daring to sail into the unknown, no professional yacht
race having ever taken this route around the planet before. The tactical
decisions made by the team, led by Skipper Ken Read (USA) and Navigator
Andrew Cape (AUS) will decide the team’s fate in this section of the
12,300 nautical mile leg.
Skipper Ken Read (USA) commented: “The competition out here is phenomenal.
You would think that in a 12,000 plus mile leg you could get out and
spread out and relax a bit... anything but that. We live and die on every
three hour sched [position report] to see how our efforts have been
rewarded, or not. It is a huge ocean out here. One thing we also have to
contend with is zero knowledge of the distant future with regard to
weather. Capey spends all his time trying to see into a crystal ball with
regard to planning our path now with regard to where we want to be a week
or even more from now. It’s pretty tricky stuff.”
“I have been in some smelly situations, but the interior of this boat is
rapidly passing them all as a top player in this weeks "smelliest place on
earth". Essentially we left Qingdao with everything on our bodies we
owned. It was cold, and for two days, very wet. Even with great outer
wear, which I have to plug our buddies at PUMA for knocking it out of the
park on their first attempt, everything is damp. And occasionally wet. The
entire interior is wet, and everywhere you sit is wet. Thank god for PUMA
shorts with gortex butt pads.”
And there hasn't been a single second of drying since the start. Blasting
across to Japan...drenching. From Japan through the Black Current...warmer
but still very wet on deck. Since then? Non-stop spray. Of the fire house
variety. Zero chance of getting stuff out to dry out the moisture. Water
to the face that is and consistent pounding of the bow into every wave.
The temperature has now gone from reasonable to quite hot - and you have a
pretty sketchy odour right now. By the way, none of us humans smell very
peachy either for that matter.”
Leg five of the Volvo Ocean Race is expected to take 35 – 40 days to
complete. The Volvo Ocean Race is made up of ten legs, finishing in June
2009 in St. Petersburg, Russia. By joining the race, PUMA has entered a
new premium category and is the only Sportslifestyle company to
participate in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09. For more information about
the race, team and the PUMA Sailing collections, please visit
www.pumaoceanracing.com
Alongside PUMA’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race, PUMA has launched a full
range of marine clothing and apparel, from offshore sailing gear to
onshore lifestyle fashion. The PUMA Sailing Performance collection was
developed and tested by the PUMA Ocean Racing team itself, and is worn by
the team throughout the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09. The PUMA Sailing
Lifestyle collection takes inspiration from the sport.
For more information on Puma Ocean Racing, please contact:
Bridgid Murphy or Kate Fairclough - PUMA Ocean Racing
Tel: +1 978 996 5155 or +44 7827 277 517
bridgid.murphy@puma.com or kate.fairclough@puma.com
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