I'm really happy to see Alex leading the race. He comes over as a really nice guy and fingers crossed that his boat holds together through the pounding coming their way as they enter the southern ocean.
If you're not a sailor and you're reading this these guys are racing, solo, around the world. This will take several months and is a massive test of the boat, their minds and their bodies. These boats are stripped of all comforts and full of technology. They are lightened to the max and the skippers have to coach them through the oceans. Once the winds are above 20 knots they are often reducing power to the maximum level they think the boats can take.
When things go wrong, which they do all the time, they have to fix them. They try and do this while keeping the boat going at the highest speed they can for the situation.
They are technicians, tacticians and endurance athletes of the highest level. They have to change massive sails in the dark while pounding the oceans after weeks of little sleep.
Their teeth get knocked out, they break bones, they stitch themselves up and keep going if they can.
Condolences to Tanguy, I've enjoyed his prior races and it's sad to see him forced out so early.
Props to Hugo Boss for their continued sponsorship and just how smart their boat looks!
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