6th June 2014
DONGFENG NARROWLY AVOIDS COLLISION AT SEA
As the wind dropped last night, the team onboard Dongfeng had another ‘near miss’ experience which could have had dire consequences. With regular reports from the boat about the pain and pleasures of offshore sailing, today’s update is proof of just how dangerous crossing the busy North Atlantic ocean can be.
It is often said that when competing in the Volvo Ocean Race you need to have eyes in the back of your head 24/7, and last night this was certainly true for Dongfeng’s Skipper, Charles Caudrelier. Not only is Charles responsible for the multi-million Euro racing yacht, the new Volvo Ocean 65, but as skipper he is also responsible for his crew. Their safety is at the forefront of everything he does, especially whilst crossing the Atlantic with four relatively inexperienced crew on board.
http://www.dongfengraceteam.cn/en/
“Yesterday we were afraid because there was a big cargo ship heading straight for us [in the dark],” reported Caudrelier. “I think the guy [Watchkeeper on the cargo ship] must have been sleeping or something because he wasn’t paying attention. I tried calling and calling but there was no answer. We were sitting in the ocean with barely any wind and only 7 knots (12kph) of speed so could not easily manoeuvre, and this huge ship was coming at us at about 20 knots (37kph). Luckily he passed us at about 100m away but I was so angry with him! I called and called but no answer – it was not a Maersk ship so that’s ok!”
http://www.dongfengraceteam.cn/en/
For onboard reporter Allan Lan, this was another first time experience: “Charles’ frustration of not being able to contact the vessel was apparent to the whole team. He was speaking rapidly in French and repeatedly trying to call. We were lucky that it passed us at 100m which sounds a lot but in the middle of the ocean, with a giant cargo ship bearing down on you, I promise you it’s not.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKU5tkyB_Bc
The team were quickly over the incident and the focus returned to sailing. There is a big low pressure weather system ahead of Dongfeng with winds forecasted at up to 45 knots (83kph). However, the team will avoid getting too close to the centre of the low where the strongest wind is: “We are training not racing,” explained Charles. “It is important not to damage the boat at this point, we still expect to hit some hard winds but hopefully not as much as 45 knots and we expect waves of about 4 metres.” To watch the full video click here.
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Editors Notes:
Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle Company Limited
Since 1969 Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle Company Limited has played a key role in Dongfeng’s core business. With its main production based in Shiyan, China, it specialises in medium and heavy duty trucks and provides a variety of parts and componants for commercial vehicles. It is one of the largest, most reputable and diverse companies of its kind in China. DFCV’s core values are based around reliability, professionalism and incorporating science and technology into the future of its products. DFCV anticipate not only Chinese Dongfeng but Global Dongfeng. In July 2013 Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle Company changed its name to Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle Company Limited. This is a company with big ambition and with Dongfeng Race Team a new era has begun.
OC Sport
OC Sport is an award-winning and leading sports marketing and event management company. Operating on a global scale OC Sport provides first class consultancy to global brands, host venues and other event organisers. The company also manages competitive teams and athletes all over the world. They are involved a wide variety of projects including professional sailing, running, cycling, adventure racing and winter sports. Their aim is to inspire both sport participants and fans. To find out more visit www.ocsport.com
For media information on Dongfeng Race Team contact:
Amy Monkman (English language)
amy.monkman@ocsport.com
Xiaowei Wu / Capri Wu (Chinese language)
capri@ocsport.com
Office Telephone: +44 1983 282 797
For more information on the Volvo Ocean Race please visit:
www.volvooceanrace.com
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Photos
Extreme Conditions Onboard Dongfeng
4 meter waves crash over the deck of Dongfeng during day 6 of the team's transatlantic.
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