The Ocean Race

The first leg of The Ocean Race from Alicante in north-east Spain to Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands kicked off with a tactical and physical challenge for the crews. Unpredictable, gusty winds demanded frequent sail changes as they tacked their way south-west around the Spanish coast. Guyot Environment – Team Europe fell behind the other Imocas shortly after the start when their code zero failed to furl, but with some smart decisions in the difficult, conditions they began to close the gap. Image credit below: GUYOT environnement - Team Europe | Charles Drapeau

Turning the corner off Andalucía, the wind and sea state became brutal. The VO65 Viva Mexico tore their mainsail beyond repair and suspended racing, heading to Almería for shelter. The two new-generation Imoca 60s, Holcim PRB and 11th Hour Racing Team, were at the head of the the fleet with the VO65s WindWhisper and Mirpuri Foundation – Racing For The Planet, pursued by Team Jajo, not far behind as they entered the Strait of Gibraltar.

There they faced a storm force headwind that peaked at almost 60 knots, creating big, breaking waves as it blew against a strong, foul current. To make things even more difficult there was, as always in the Strait, a high concentration of shipping traffic plus separation zones and fishing nets to avoid. Holcim-PRB and 11th Hour Racing made it through first, both with a bit of damage while the VO65s WindWhisper and Mirpuri Foundation were engaged in a fierce tacking battle as they fought their way out of the Mediterranean with Jajo on their heels.