VO70 In A Haystack

Spent the morning cup-of-joe searching (hence the play on "needle in a haystack") for the news clip from last night with Kenny Read and Puma. Was Sunday's Prime Time on CBS and my "anti-sailing" Uncle who called all excited to inform (he has ZERO interest in sailing and is the facilitator over family gatherings on how the sport is a non-event...grrr.)

Did you catch the episode? Was in reference to the recent pirate hijackings off Somalia and included a nice aerial shot of Puma sailing. THAT's what did it for my Uncle, a huge fan of man-made marvels that move with haste. He was, "Wow, those boats can move" and a "very cool' and I think, not sure, but a touch of sudden concern for the guys.

They showed images of tankers (the size of a small country) and then he gave some thought to the 70 foot boat: that has enough value in it's bits and pieces to feed a country but a mere dinghy in comparison to size. Shared with him what little I knew from PR and interviews regarding measures in place to ensure their safety. Was impressed with his concern, but I know he was looking for a back door for return on his negative feelings over the sport = denied!

If someone finds it, would love to see the whole clip.

Built Tough!

Between Green Dragon, Puma and now Telefonica Blue...the boats: decently "tough" but even my Uncle, he's a "man's-man" sort of personality and very hard worker had to agree, "these VOR sailors are a solid breed!" Sadly, the India stop-over is more a pit-stop and not much time for massive repairs. Leg Two has provided some lovely drama, however, expecting a bit more shore-side chaos in a week and a half...

The Game Has Changed...

"Can we have the icebergs back?" joked Bouwe Bekking...

Read today's piece on the Volvo's new element, which for now, makes keeping clear of iceburgs seem almost child's play. Modern day pirates don't drift about with the current. They have minds of their owns and a steady risk to all who travel the waterways these days.

The article claims the risks are low but precautions and education in place. With so many eyes watching, they'd be silly pirates to even consider to tempt such fate!