ERICSSON 3 EMAIL: 'Respectful excitement'

MONDAY 27 October 2008 12:17

Aksel Magdahl (Navigator)

Just got my PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) and inflatable lifejacket out and ready under the nav desk. Till now I have been wearing the light harness which provides for easier grinding and more mobility. But now we are preparing for conditions we really respect. Most of us onboard are going to get the first real ride on a solid low pressure system, for the most of the Atlantic crossing.

Last night I did a walk through of the next week's weather with our watch captains Magnus Olsson and Richard Mason, with a little sketch I had made of our route and the expected winds along it. ‘That is not possible with these boats!’ was Magnus' resolute reply. So we talked through the options if we find the conditions too rough for us and the boat - we really want to get to Cape Town in one piece, this race is just starting.

I am running a few different softwares for the routing. One has us doing a 24 hr record in two days, another one in four days. The computers do not see the limitations though; we will see what we get.

Even though it is with respect, we are really looking forward to this, as it is what separates the Volvo Ocean Race from other yacht races. How fast we sail the boats in these conditions. Till now I have been joking with Martin Krite about how it is going to be on the bow in 10 metre waves, 40 knot breeze trying to recover a headsail, but no more joking now. We will just do it our way and see how good that is. I am sure some of the more experienced teams will push hard, but we will set our own pace. But we will give it our best; we can rest in Cape Town.

Received 12:17 GMT