The IMOCA teams in the 2023 Ocean Race began the third leg of their race from Cape Town, South Africa, to Itajaí, Brazil, on February 26. The start of Leg 3 was chaotic with high winds and a pod of whales making an appearance that forced the race committee to reconfigure the race course. The second start had little wind which left four boats stranded behind the starting line and gave Biotherm a decent lead. But the lead was short lived as they were overtaken in light wind.
On March 1, the crew aboard GUYOT Environment–Team Europe heard two suspicious noises. The crew investigated the issue and concluded it was a hull sandwich failure. They made the decision to return to Cape Town for their safety, and are now back.
The remaining four teams have continued to race at record-breaking speeds. The pack is led by Team Holcim-PRB, followed by Biotherm, Team Malizia and 11th Hour Racing. Team Holcim-PRB is now furthest south in an effort to find some wind as the other three boats have decent wind and have gained ground on them. Holcim-PRB is also dealing with a tear in their J2 headsail, which they hope to fix or at least stabilize.
11th Hour Racing Team completed a speed feat by reporting 544.63 nautical miles covered in 24 hours. During a routine inspection they discovered damage to one of the boat’s rudders, and replaced it with their spare rudder.
Team Biotherm is in high spirits as they speed along. “We’re making the most of the smooth-running conditions, where life on board is much easier to sleep and eat and make sure all the systems are working for the next week, Biotherm teammate Sam Davies said, “The mood on board is as good as ever—I’m using my headphones to cancel out the sound of laughter from the cockpit!”
Onboard Biotherm sailing on the Southern Ocean. Drone view
Onboard Biotherm sailing on the Southern Ocean. Drone view
Onboard Team Malizia. Rosalin Kuiper getting the drifter buoy ready for deployment.
Onboard 11th Hour Racing Team. Jack Bouttell grinding away at the crack at the root of the starboard rudder while Simon Fisher and Justine Mettraux look on.
Onboard Biotherm. Paul Meilhat and Anthony Marchand stacking sails.
Onboard Team Malizia. Will Harris and Boris Herrmann checking the sails.
Onboard Team Malizia. Boris Herrmann, Will Harris and Rosalin Kuiper working on the outrigger.
Team Holcim – PRB launched at full speed in the roaring 40s.
Onboard Team Holcim – PRB. Sam Goodchild, sail repairer.
Onboard GUYOT environnement – Team Europe. View of the african coast as they get closer to Cape Town.
Current Positions as of March 8, 2023
1. Team Holcim-PRB
2. Biotherm
3. Team Malizia
4. 11th Hour Racing Team
