16:12, 10-Jan-2018
Volvo Ocean Race: Fleet mired in the Doldrums
[]
Share
Copied
We go off land for more racing as one week has passed on Leg 4 from Melbourne to Hong Kong in the Volvo Ocean Race. But things have slowed down significantly for the fleet as they work their way through an area of several hundred miles of light winds known as the Doldrums, with China's Dongfeng Race sitting third in the overall standings.
The boats are expected to arrive at their destination in Hong Kong on Tuesday and there was very little separating the top five teams as they passed through the Solomon Islands on Monday.
All seven boats will be keen to pass through the low pressure doldrums as quickly as possible.
The most direct route to Hong Kong would see teams sail a more north-westerly course, meaning they must head north as quickly as possible to get to the north-easterly trade winds and the better, more stable breeze. But the current calm conditions would allow Dongfeng captain Charles Caudrelier idle moments to reflect on the race.