Day of the Cape Verdes transit and decision time for the Equator/Doldrums approach. Ryan Houston, Seb Marsset, and Dave Swete enjoying a final afternoon of fast Tradewind sailing on the way south towards the Equator.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race
The third day in the clutches of the Doldrums brings no breaks for Team Alvimedica, still searching for consistent winds and a way south with the fleet. Charlie Enright (T) and Mark Towill (B) catch some sleep in the bow where weight is best kept in light winds.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race
King Neptune makes a visit to Team Alvimedica to welcome Charlie Enright (R), Mark Towill (L), and Alberto Bolzan (M) into his domain for the first time.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race
A full day of steady wind propels Team Alvimedica over the Equator at speed.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race
Navigator Will Oxley still carries traditional paper charts for every potential destination along the course around the world.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race
The brain-trust in the nav station: Will Oxley (L), Mark Towill (M), and Charlie Enright (R) dissect the latest weather information, crucial in determining the time to turn east for Cape Town.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race
Skipper Charlie Enright (L), watch captain Mark Towill (M), and navigator Will Oxley (R) discuss the timing of the turn south.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race
Mark Towill, Alberto Bolzan, and Dave Swete converse on deck as the sun sets on their watch.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race
Temps drop abruptly for the beginning of Day 19, as the fleet sails due south looking for strong westerly winds to turn for Cape Town.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race
Nick Dana on the bowsprit looking for wear and tear while the weather is still calm.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race
A 6 a.m. jibe east and an early build in windspeed keep Team Alvimedica on their toes with a week of hard sailing left until Cape Town.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race
Winds lighten and the complicated road to Cape Town begins as the first High pressure system rolls through the fleet.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race
Leg 1 onboard Team Alvimedica on day 22 with a full sail on the way east.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race
Constant spray across the deck in fast downwind sailing conditions.
Amory Ross/Team Alvimedica/Volvo Ocean Race
With just 650 miles to Cape Town, the sailing slows considerably as a high-pressure system moves in from the west.