Love Water crew seek record Cape2Rio win
Life on board fast-flying trimaran ‘challenging and usually very bouncy’
THE South African team participating in the Cape2Rio yacht race have seized the lead and hope to win in record time as they surge ahead of other competitors.
The crew of the trimaran Love Water took the lead when they raced past rival boat Maserati.
Love Water skipper Craig Sutherland said: “Spirits are good on board despite the challenging, tiny and usually very bouncy living conditions.
“We are extremely pleased with the boat’s performance in taxing conditions. Apart from some minor damage caused by hitting one of three floating objects, everything is going well so far.”
Sutherland said that the crew’s level of intensity and concentration could not be higher at the moment. They were focusing on sailing at optimal speed and wind angles at all times, while tactically positioning the boat well to deal with oncoming wind and weather systems.
If the Love Water crosses the finish line in Rio de Janeiro on January 26, its crew will have completed the race in eight days, a new record.
In partnership with environmental organisation WWF SA, the Love Water crew has been posting stories on social media and digital platforms about plastic pollution.
Theywill also share what they have learned about plastic pollution after they have completed the race.WWF SA spokesperson Pavitray Pillay said: “We were thrilled when LoveWater approached us to suggest that we join forces to bring home a relevant environmental message during this popular yacht race.
“With an estimated eight-million tons of plastic entering our oceans each year from land-based sources, we couldn’t think of a more important issue to tackle together.” |