1 post tagged sail

Since the Azzam left port in Alicante to begin the Volvo Ocean Race, we have been bringing you updates on its round the globe journey. There have been stories on the crew and their sailing prowess, or on the conditions the team will face en route.

What you haven’t seen is what it takes to keep the Azzam in top shape. Until now. Much like the craftsmen and artisans at IWC create and maintain our timepieces to showcase their world class precision, so does the on-board and on-shore crew of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.

After last week’s hull damage during Leg 5, it was determined that the Azzam needed 72 hours of repairs, leaving a small window before the in-port event at Itajai is scheduled to begin. This week, as we hear from Team Director Jamie Boag, adverse weather conditions have impacted the schedule and there are now 40 hours to complete the same amount of work.

From earlier in the race, an example of the equipment used to transport the Azzam

Doubling the number of boat builders assisting in the process (now at 8), and continuing to look at ways to save time are all part of the equation to get the Azzam ready to sail.

Azzam’s sails ready for review & repair

Boag and team continue to brainstorm other ways to fit the repairs in what is now a very tight timeframe: from employing a local ferry to more expediently transfer the ship container, to evaluating more time efficient repair methods.

While this starts to sound like a race within a race (which it is), Boag very seriously pointed out that there are still drying time for resins, and only so many hours the team can work. And most paramount: “We are also conscious of the old adage that more haste less speed. At the end of the day the repair has to be seaworthy.”

The Race is On: The crew brainstorms ways to save time on repairs

On-Shore crew leader Mike Danks noted that “The (repair) team is rested, determined and ready to go… all we need is Azzam.” She is now scheduled to arrive in Itajai on today (April 19) and we are sending support and best wishes to the repair crew for a speedy (and) safe return to racing!