The Start of the Volvo Ocean Race

The atmosphere at the start of the Volvo Ocean Race is not unlike that at the beginning of a soccer match: Mostly Mayhem, Mixed with anticipation. Just leaving the marina was an experience. For example, I have never been in a traffic jam, trying to leave a marina. Yet, it was impossible to keep at the 3 knots minimum speed limit, as the exit was completely backed up. We left the marina at the same time as the Volvo Ocean race team. Numerous ribs kept the exit for the teams clear, and made us keep our distance as we exited the harbor. This meant that got really close to out favorite teams: SCA and Brunel as they exited the harbor.

Team Brunel had lots of support, judging from the cheers of the crowd, and this was further added to by the massive fog horn of the Dutch three master “Oosterschelde”. Douwe really pleased his Dutch supporters by doing a close pass by the Dutch boat. Needless to say, we waved and whistled when our favorite teams slid by, and to their credit, they all waved back. There was a short sense of worry, as the Brunel team backed up, and went back into the harbor., going the wrong way! Could something be broken this earthly in the race? As we passed by the Brunel workshop the previous day, this was the workshop that had the lights on the longest, and perhaps the team didn't have sufficient time to properly address the problem. Fortunately, this was not the case, and the Brunel team simply decided to set the mainsail in the protection of the break water.

The race course was just a outside the beach of applicant, and it was just a short trip for the SaltyPaws to get there. Again, the ever present ribs made sure that the spectator boats did not crowd the race course too much. At this point there were so many boats, that is was difficult to find a direct view point, unhindered by other boats. Our helms woman confidently maneuvered the SaltyPaws in close encounter with many other boats. We met up with our Spanish family, and they stayed of our port bow while we were watching the race.

Not only the sea was crowed, the spectators were crowding the shore, and helicopters crowded the skies. This is truly a very popular race!

After the two laps in front of the Alliance beach, the teams exited towards the capes of Cartagena and Mar Menor. During this exit, we got another opportunity to get close to the race teams, and cheer them on. Some ribs kept following the teams for a long time. SaltyPaws however made it back into the marina quickly, to avoid the second phase of mayhem, that was sure to follow as the boats would come back in the marina all at the same time.

Our Skipper with an American Movie Star, waitning for the Start of the Volvo Ocean Race!

Our Spanish Family was watching from their own boat, right next to the SaltyPaws

Antonio taking his task serious of warding off the close encounter with a big fender.

It has probably never been this busy in front of the harbor of Alicante.