On April 1, at 9:23:29 PM UTC, the Class40 BELGIUM OCEAN RACING became the first Class40 to cross the equator, marking the return of the GLOBE40 to the Northern Hemisphere after leaving it last September during the Cape Verde/Reunion leg. After 3 days, 4 hours, and 29 minutes of racing, it covered 542 nautical miles at an average speed of 7.2 knots.
After departing from Recife, Brazil, on March 29 at 2:00 PM local time, the competitors quickly encountered the infamous Doldrums 24 hours later. During the run down to South Africa in September, this episode was long and arduous for most crews, although it provided many stunning images. Before starting from Recife, weather charts depicted an extensive Doldrums area stretching from east to west across the Atlantic, suggesting a challenging passage. In reality, in just 48 hours and with few stops, the GLOBE40 fleet was able to overcome this obstacle on its return journey to Lorient.
BELGIUM OCEAN RACING – CURIUM took the lead quickly after starting from Recife, benefiting from a large, lightweight 200 m² spinnaker that had not been used until now. With only eight sails allowed on board, crews must make choices before each departure based on the leg’s nature and weather forecast. In response to this speed advantage acknowledged by its competitor CREDIT MUTUEL, the latter made a detour to the west, hoping to find a more open passage closer to the Brazilian coast.
CREDIT MUTUEL crossed the equator 57 minutes later at 22:26:38 h, but in a more distant position, 45 miles to the west. NEXT GENERATION, officially in 5th position in the 22.00 rankings, is also further west. Among the traditional boats, an intense battle is ongoing between WILSON, ranked 2nd in the last standings and still competitive, and the overall leader, BARCO BRASIL. WHISKEY JACK and FREE DOM are competing just a few cables apart, while JANGADA RACING sees the fleet separated by barely 50 miles.
Everyone on board quickly settled back into their routines after the Recife leg. The heat remains intense, challenging life on board during the day. They are all aiming for the northeast trade winds, which should ensure a long, steady leg before making strategic decisions regarding their approach to the Azores archipelago and the return to Europe.
To follow the race, visit the official tracking site.
Website: www.globe40.com
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