May the best team win - Volvo Ocean Race

I don't pretend to be a sailing expert and don't even have an unusual interest in sailing, but that doesn't mean to say that I don't appreciate the sport and the guts it takes to participate in a race such as the Volvo Ocean Race. We went to the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town to have a look at the different yachts participating in this race and I walked away much wiser but also with enormous respect for these men and women who take on the elements out there - the rough and unpredictable waters, living in close proximity for such a lengthy time, working together as a team and most of all using their skills and talents to sail through troubled waters. The men and women who take on a race of this nature have to have unquestionable passion for sailing, or they are mad.

Abu Dhabi - the yacht that so far has won the first leg as well as the in-port race
 

This amazing race takes place over four oceans, five continents and with seven teams over nine months at sea. It is said that it is the longest sporting event in the world. I can imagine the endurance that it takes and at the end of it those competing must have an incredible sense of achievement. Something I can only dream of.

The race was established in 1973 and this year (2014) marks the tenth time that the V&A is hosting it. A whole program was developed around the Volvo Ocean Race and I can imagine the type of sponsorships that go into an event of this nature. The aim was to celebrate life on the ocean, but also to involve the public in various water sports at the V&A.

We saw the maintenance teams working hard to clean and service the yachts; the sails were spread out and being serviced and inspected - I couldn't believe the size of these mainsails. A film interviewing the different individuals and teams finally gave me an idea of what it takes to challenge the elements of nature and the absolute commitment and endurance it takes.

The sails are said to be 1414.2 m2 which is the surface of 7 tennis courts

The Abu Dhabi yacht won the first leg of the race from Spain to Cape Town and it also won the in-port round-the-buoys race in Table Bay Harbour this past Saturday. The race takes off tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday, 19 September), so I guess many bookies will have their money on Abu Dhabi, but for me, I salute each and every man and woman taking part in this grueling event. By competing you are already winners and my bet? Well, may the best team win!

MAPFRE with Table Mountain in the background