The last few days have been challenging in the South Pacific. The important thing is to regain strength before strategizing to round Cape Horn at the end of the week (if all goes well).
Only two competitors in the race have yet to pass the legendary Cape Horn. Among them is Alexia Barrier, who is seeking the best trajectory to gain speed without taking too much risk in a more favorable zone. Accompanied by Samantha Davies (out of the race) and Ari Huusela behind her, the focus is on descending towards the ice zone. A depression with favorable winds of around twenty knots allows for maintaining a good pace without being shaken by large waves, as was the case last week.
However, the waves might reappear as they approach the South American tip. A very special zone for sailors, where the weather changes extremely quickly, transitioning from calm conditions to significant turbulence in just a few minutes. These evolving conditions are caused, among other things, by the mountain ranges in southern Chile rising over 3,000 meters and the Patagonian islands, some reaching nearly a thousand meters. A real puzzle, therefore, for forecasters and skippers, making this cape a legendary spot for all navigators.
Before that, there are still a little less than 1,600 miles to cover for the Maralpine while surfing in the last air currents of the Pacific. An ocean that has been quite exhausting during this 9th edition of the most famous around-the-world race. Be careful, other disturbances might join the passage of the “Pingouin”.
