I just had to share this picture from one of my favorite websites, Sailing Anarchy. What do you think is happening here?
This is a Volvo Open 70 class racing yacht--specifically, the Russian entry in the upcoming Volvo Ocean Race. Contrary to what it might look like, this boat is not about to flip. Rather, it is heeled over with its crew on the rail and its 5-ton lead keel bulb canted 40 degrees off center, which as you can see, brings it entirely out of the water.
Created specifically for this race, these boats are technological marvels that stress the limits of engineering. The class was brand new during the last iteration of the race (2005-2006), which made for exciting racing, nerve-wracking breakages, and a few offshore speed records. Having a second generation this time around will surely lead to more records being broken. Check out this link from Popular Mechanics about the boats.
Beside the boats, the race is a fascinating even in and of itself. Formerly known as the Whitbread 'Round the World Race, the Volvo Ocean Race starts in October and will consist of 10 different legs to race around the world. Here is the route map:
I will probably be rooting for the Puma Ocean Racing team, with Kenny Read as the skipper. I've followed the last three races very closely and my pre-race pick has won twice (EF Language in '97-'98 and Illbruck in '01-'02) and finished second the last time around (Pirates of the Caribbean in '05-'06). Hopefully this bodes well for the Puma guys.
But really, the race is astounding. These guys race full-on for weeks at a time between port cities, including through the Southern Ocean at night dodging icebergs at 30 knots. The risk involved is staggering. It definitely takes a certain type of person to be an ocean racer.
Here is a short video promo for the VOR. If this doesn't get you excited to follow the race, I don't think anything will.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Hike Baby!
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5 comments:
That's pretty freakin' crazy. It's amazing to me that they sail these relatively small boats across the enormous oceans of the world. That is really cool and your right, it's very exciting. You'll have to remind us about it again in October and keep us filled in on how your Puma team is doing.
My favorite team of course is BMw are they racing this time? I think I am more of a beach person though;)
Amazing picture...also amazing I could slip into your site again.
This picture reminds me of when we were first married and Dad took me sailing in Balboa Bay and I do believe our little sailboat tipped this way if not more into the water most of the time, until he 'got his sailing skills back from when he was in Sea Scouts.' Mom
Ever since our "Leadership Venture" at Wharton, I've had the sailing bug, so this was awesome for me to watch. I'd love to do something this big in life, but I think I'll wait until Jenn is ready for me to die - should be next week or so. :-)
Ka RAZY. Yeah the mechanics of the new sailboats blow me away. It seems most of the sailors would really have to change their sailing techniques and natural instincs as it seems the new canting keels go against everything they've learned. There definately should be some amazing crashes but hopefully most of them make it through the harsh conditions. I've always been fascinated by sailing even though by the time I was old enough to go with Dad, the Snark was out of commission. Oh well, maybe I'll ride on your boat one day when you're racing in this :)
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