18.03.2009
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PUMA rounds Cape Horn and begins final sprint to Rio
March 18, 2009 – The PUMA Ocean Racing team rounded Cape Horn, the
southernmost tip of South America, at 20:46 GMT on Tuesday 17th March.
Racing in winds of over 25 knots and huge seas, the team celebrated with
Cuban cigars, a dash of whiskey and team photos, while bowman Casey Smith
(AUS) ran about the deck naked! Currently in third place in this leg, with
2097 miles to go to until the finish in Rio de Janeiro, the PUMA team now
begin their sprint up the east coast of South America.
A rite of passage for all ocean going sailors, Cape Horn is famous for the
hazardous conditions often encountered when passing from the Pacific into
the Atlantic Ocean. Amongst the PUMA team, all but three have ventured
round Cape Horn before. For navigator Andrew Cape (AUS) this was his
seventh rounding, it was Erle Williams (NZL) and Sidney Gavignets’ (FRA)
fourth, Justin Ferris (NZL), Jerry Kirby (USA), Rick Deppe (GBR), Rob
Greenhalgh (GBR) and Rob Salthouse’s (NZL) second and Casey Smith (AUS),
Michi Mueller (GER) and Ken Read’s (USA) first.
With more tricky tactical decisions to be made as the teams navigate their
way around the Falkland Islands – with potential opportunities for
overtaking – the final week of racing in this marathon leg is set to be as
exciting as the previous 32 days.
Skipper Ken Read (USA) commented: “Our team (family) celebration went off
without a hitch. More Cuban cigars made their way on deck, a dash of
‘sailmakers oil’, a spot of whisky, and of course Casey found the energy
to get naked again!!!! On the bow, waves crashing over him with a Cape
Horn sign. Dear lord. Welcome to my world. Never a dull moment around
here.”
“Roaring into the most famous of all Great Capes, our entire team has been
asked collectively a thousand times what they believe they will feel while
rounding Cape Horn. Remember we have all types aboard this craft. Each
have answered in their own way. Some take this milestone in a sailor’s
life with passion and emotion, others say it isn't a big deal. All say it
marks something major though, and that is simply that you are now out of
the grasps of the Southern Ocean and for this reason alone it is time for
celebration.”
“It’s kind of daunting if you sit back and think about where you are and
where the nearest safe haven is, when you are halfway across the vast
stretch of water. If this, the southernmost point of South America could
talk, it would tell some harrowing tales of tragedy and heroics by
sportsman and traders and businessman and adventurers alike. Probably more
so than any other nautical landmark in history. For this reason alone, it
is a privilege to be let through these gates. The entrance to which must
be earned and not simply taken.”
“I am in awe of the sheer magnitude of the passage and the final toll
booth that lets you through and awaits the next yacht to venture this way.
We appreciate safe passage more than anything right now, and with that in
mind we thank this Great Cape.”
PUMA is expected to arrive in Rio de Janeiro around 23rd March. 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 Sportlifestyle 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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