Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s navigator, Briton Jules Salter, is confident of a strong fourth leg finish in the Volvo Ocean Race as the Abu Dhabi-backed outfit readies to depart Sanya, China this weekend for New Zealand.
With little historical data to call on, the 5,200 nautical mile leg to Auckland is cited by many skippers and navigators as potentially the most difficult tactically in the entire race. Amongst many other challenges, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing will yet again have to negotiate the highly unpredictable Doldrums -- this time at their widest point.
Salter, who won the race in 2008/09 with Ericsson 4 and was a runner up in the 2005/6 campaign aboard Pirates of the Caribbean, will draw on decades of experience to navigate the team and its state-of-the-art race yacht Azzam (determination) through the unpredictable seas as they continue to push for vital championship points.
“We have some weather data for the leg which, when viewed in isolation, can give us perfect answers for angles and wind speeds we are likely to sail and for how long. What we miss though is the fact that no one races through these areas and perceived wisdom from cruising records does not give the detail we need to verify the accuracy of the models,” said the 43-year-old father of two from the Isle of Wight, UK.
“The best approach will be to keep an open mind. The fleet will probably sail conservatively to mitigate against factors we cannot see in the weather models or if the models are in any way incorrect. I think this makes it fascinating to see how things will pan out.”
No stranger to the dangers of life at sea, Salter believes to win, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing may need to marry caution with opportunism as the fleet tackles the South China Sea and the Philippines Sea, which at this time of year can be harsh and could cause sail or yacht damage early in the leg.
“The Luzon Straits between the Philippines and Taiwan are a constriction point and when the monsoon winds and trade winds are well developed this can be a rough area. It is also the meeting of the China Sea and the Pacific Ocean so there is a lot going on there with dynamic weather and currents. We do not want to damage Azzam, her sails, rig or crew so early into a long leg but if you can take a risk and get a jump, it is probably something we have to do to get some good points,” said Salter, one of the most revered navigators in top-level yacht racing.
Salter also believes that Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, which currently sits fifth in the overall race standings, is starting to find its offshore rhythm and is confident the team’s desire to win will push Azzam to her limits and see them contest for a podium place.
“We need to keep finding extra performance from the yacht and keep developing techniques on how we sail it. These will range from how we trim the sails, load and stack Azzam with the equipment we carry on board and how we drive it. We also need to get every small decision right tactically with the weather, currents and the fleet to help us out as well,” added Salter.
“Three weeks at sea will be a good test for everyone and it will be the longest time a few of the guys have spent on board in one go so it may be hard for them. It will be some pleasant sailing in the middle but the end and beginning could be quite rugged so everyone will need to get in to it. If the racing is close the incentive of yachts around in close proximity should further spur the hunger to win.”
Before the Leg 4 start on the 19th February, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing will be looking to continue its impressive in-port racing form in Sanya on Saturday, having won two out of the three previous events including the Abu Dhabi showpiece in front of tens of thousands of home supporters.
From : Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing
Credit : I. Roman/VOR
With little historical data to call on, the 5,200 nautical mile leg to Auckland is cited by many skippers and navigators as potentially the most difficult tactically in the entire race. Amongst many other challenges, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing will yet again have to negotiate the highly unpredictable Doldrums -- this time at their widest point.
Salter, who won the race in 2008/09 with Ericsson 4 and was a runner up in the 2005/6 campaign aboard Pirates of the Caribbean, will draw on decades of experience to navigate the team and its state-of-the-art race yacht Azzam (determination) through the unpredictable seas as they continue to push for vital championship points.
“We have some weather data for the leg which, when viewed in isolation, can give us perfect answers for angles and wind speeds we are likely to sail and for how long. What we miss though is the fact that no one races through these areas and perceived wisdom from cruising records does not give the detail we need to verify the accuracy of the models,” said the 43-year-old father of two from the Isle of Wight, UK.
“The best approach will be to keep an open mind. The fleet will probably sail conservatively to mitigate against factors we cannot see in the weather models or if the models are in any way incorrect. I think this makes it fascinating to see how things will pan out.”
No stranger to the dangers of life at sea, Salter believes to win, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing may need to marry caution with opportunism as the fleet tackles the South China Sea and the Philippines Sea, which at this time of year can be harsh and could cause sail or yacht damage early in the leg.
“The Luzon Straits between the Philippines and Taiwan are a constriction point and when the monsoon winds and trade winds are well developed this can be a rough area. It is also the meeting of the China Sea and the Pacific Ocean so there is a lot going on there with dynamic weather and currents. We do not want to damage Azzam, her sails, rig or crew so early into a long leg but if you can take a risk and get a jump, it is probably something we have to do to get some good points,” said Salter, one of the most revered navigators in top-level yacht racing.
Salter also believes that Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, which currently sits fifth in the overall race standings, is starting to find its offshore rhythm and is confident the team’s desire to win will push Azzam to her limits and see them contest for a podium place.
“We need to keep finding extra performance from the yacht and keep developing techniques on how we sail it. These will range from how we trim the sails, load and stack Azzam with the equipment we carry on board and how we drive it. We also need to get every small decision right tactically with the weather, currents and the fleet to help us out as well,” added Salter.
“Three weeks at sea will be a good test for everyone and it will be the longest time a few of the guys have spent on board in one go so it may be hard for them. It will be some pleasant sailing in the middle but the end and beginning could be quite rugged so everyone will need to get in to it. If the racing is close the incentive of yachts around in close proximity should further spur the hunger to win.”
Before the Leg 4 start on the 19th February, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing will be looking to continue its impressive in-port racing form in Sanya on Saturday, having won two out of the three previous events including the Abu Dhabi showpiece in front of tens of thousands of home supporters.
From : Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing
