Volvo Ocean Race. The 25 Best Pics of Leg 3

by Richard Crockett

Before we look at these impressive pics from Leg 3, give a thought not only to the crew sailing the boats, but also to the OBRs (on board reporters) who take the pics and send them ashore for us to enjoy. Their job can be as taxing as those sailing the boat, and confines them below deck to their cramped quarters for long periods while they write reports, edit and send pics.

Leg 4 to Hong Kong has started and is described as “Technical, tricky, full of opportunity”.

This is a 6,000 nautical mile race north, up the east coast of Australia, with the navigational challenge of dodging islands as well as another doldrums crossing, before arriving in Hong Kong for the first time in the history of the race.

Surviving the Southern Ocean. 25 of the Best Pics
Here are 25 of the best pictures from Leg 3 of the Volvo Ocean Race showing seven teams, 56 sailors and a 6,500 nautical mile race across the treacherous Southern Ocean.

Famous for freezing temperatures, giant waves and epic sailing conditions, the remote Southern Ocean is the heart and soul of the Volvo Ocean Race.

At times during this leg, the crews were closer to the International Space Station than to any population centre on earth, making sailing across this part of the world one of the last real human adventures.

With regular wipe-outs in relentless, boat-breaking conditions, Dongfeng Race Team Skipper Charles Caudrelier described it best: Leg 3 was the ‘toughest leg of his career’.

The race took a toll on the sailors both mentally and physically, but despite being cold, wet, and occasionally scared, for days on end, the Southern Ocean remains every offshore sailor’s ideal playground and we have the pictures to prove it.

For the 2017-18 edition, the Volvo Ocean Race has introduced up to three times more Southern Ocean sailing than in recent races – with the trans-ocean legs counting for double points.

Enjoy these awesome pics.