Team Sanya to race back to VOR 1 month after rigging damage

‘This trip has had its eventful periods but we’re all in one piece and we’re banging our way up to the safe haven,’ Sanya watch captain and stand-in skipper Richard Mason told volvooceanrace.com. ‘We’re just enjoying being free of the Doldrums, moving again.’

A slight change in wind direction has meant the fast reaching of last night have turned into an upwind slog but Mason said the variety of conditions had allowed the six sailors on board to get to know their boat better.

‘All the guys have been getting a steer, getting a good feel for the trim,’ he said. ‘There’s been a lot of rotation which is great. When we go back to our more specialised racing roles everyone will have a better understanding of the workings of the boat. It’s been hugely beneficial for the guys on board this trip.’

Under race rules, Team Sanya will pick up four points for Leg 2 Stage 1, one point for Leg 2 Stage 2 and two points for the Etihad Airways In-Port Race, providing they arrive at the safe haven under racing conditions.

‘We’ve been making sure we have a good laugh and plenty of fun on this trip but there is a serious business,’ Mason said. ‘We’re collecting points and we’re looking to re-engage the fleet.

‘The pressure is obviously on for us to pull a few good cards out seeing as we’re sailing to our home port of Sanya. There’s a lot of emailing back and forth to work out what we can and can’t do in the safe haven to get the boat back up to speed. We’re very focussed and quite frankly we’re really looking forward to it.

‘You’ve got to fight your way out of these situations and we’ll come back, don’t you worry about that. We’re the mighty Team Sanya!’