Slainte
Ericsson Racing Team’s Nordic crew aboard Ericsson 3, led by Swedish skipper Magnus Olsson, was the first yacht past legendary Cape Horn today at 1222 GMT. The International crew on Ericsson 4, led by skipper Torben Grael of Brazil, followed at 1448 GMT. Ericsson 3 added 4 points to its score and has 35.5 points. Overall race leader Ericsson 4 increased its score by 3.5 points and now has 56.5 total points.
The biggest celebration of the day though was on Green Dragon, where the crew took advantage of better weather to celebrate rounding the Horn on St Patrick’s Day before reaching the Horn. Ian Walker explained “Horn. Skipper Ian Walker explained. “The forecast is for 40 knots and we will have to stand off the Cape to avoid the worst wind and waves. This will cost us an hour or two in the race which is frustrating but Cape Horn is no place to be cutting corners in rough weather.” He continued “It must be fate that the Green Dragon, a project born out of Ireland, has reached the most famous sailing landmark of them all on Ireland’s National Day. The crew of Green Dragon would like to wish everyone a very Happy St Patrick’s Day from Cape Horn! It is morning here and we still have 175 miles to go but we will be rounding the Cape at nightfall on St Patrick’s Day. Once we round the Cape we will be pointing at the Emerald Isle for the first time since we left Cork in August. Happy St Patrick’s Day and see you all in Galway in May!” Pic from the boat and more here.
