Ocean Race 2023: Team Malizia become first team to pass Cape Horn ahead of Holcim-PRB on Leg 3 to Itajai
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Published 27/03/2023 at 17:54 GMT
Team Malizia have dealt with mast damage and had an injured crew member during the 12,750-nautical mile third leg of the Ocean Race 2023, but they have become the first of the four IMOCA boats to pass Cape Horn. Malizia's Will Harris said it was a "huge achievement" as they passed Cape Horn ahead of Holcim-PRB. The two boats have gained separation from Biotherm and 11th Hour Racing Team.
'Very special for a sailor' – Seguin on Cape Horn crossing
Team Malizia have overcome the odds to become the first team to pass Cape Horn on the epic third leg of Ocean Race 2023.
Team Malizia were contemplating a return to Cape Town early in the 12,750-nautical mile leg following mast damage.
They are also currently nursing an injured crew member after Rosalin Kuiper suffered a head injury after she fell from her bunk.
Despite the difficulties, Team Malizia beat Holcim-PRB to the Cape to Cape title in 27 days, 17 hours and 31 minutes.
"It's a huge achievement for the whole team to be here," said Malizia's Will Harris.
"And especially to be here in the lead. If we think back to the start of the leg - the issues with the mast, and then the big winds the last few days, I think we've done an amazing job to be here. So we are proud of the full team to make it this far and also grateful to everyone back on land who has made this possible.
"It's really cold down here at the moment. It's slightly lighter winds, which is a relief after the last few days of pretty brutal conditions. And I hope as we get around the Horn, it will be calm enough that we get a good view of it. First bit of land we've seen in 30 days."
Cape Horn is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of southern Chile.
Team Malizia passed the longitude of Cape Horn at 16:23 UTC on Monday, 27 March with a lead of less than 20 miles over Holcim-PRB.
Both boats have gained some separation from Biotherm and 11th Hour Racing Team, who have dropped 250 miles behind.
"It will be a fight all the way up to the finish in Itajai," added Harris. "Team Holcim-PRB is only a few miles behind us. They're doing an amazing job of pushing us as well. We'll need our best game.
“It's a long way to go - 2,000 miles - and we're looking forward to it."
Malizia skipper Boris Herrmann and his team join the 'legends of the south' as winners of the Roaring Forties Trophy - awarded for the fastest passage between the Cape of Good Hope in Africa and Cape Horn in South America.
As this is the longest leg in the history of the Ocean Race, it is the first time the trophy will be awarded for a non-stop passage between the two Capes that mark the eastern and western boundaries of the south Atlantic Ocean.
Team Malizia and The Ocean Race have confirmed on Sunday that Kuiper had suffered a concussion after falling from her bunk during Leg 3.
Kuiper was thrown from her bunk when the boat turned suddenly and although she didn’t lose consciousness, she was bleeding badly so the team contacted race doctor, Dr Spike Briggs.
Ocean Race reported on Monday that “Rosie has been able to rest and recuperate…early indications are that she is recovering well on board.”
Biotherm and 11th Hour Racing Team are expected to pass Cape Horn on Tuesday morning.
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