Dramatic start to Leg 4 of McIntyre Ocean Race in Punta del Este

It was a thrilling start to Leg 4 of the McIntyre Ocean Globe Race in Punta Del Este, Uruguay. Just seconds after the 14:00, local time start, Spirit of Helsinki FI (71) crossed the line first, Outlaw AU (08) second and Pen Duick VI FR (14) third – just a hair’s breadth separating the nail-bitingly tightly packed fleet.

In 15, gusting to 25 knots South Westerly headwinds and lumpy 3-4 meter swells the OGR spectators gracing the Punta del Este breakwater were treated to an entertaining display of classic yachts racing in, at times, way too close for comfort.

And it wasn’t long before this too close for comfort racing and big seas produced the first drama of the day. Shortly after race start Maiden UK (03) radioed to communicate with a Man Over Board – which was later confirmed to be a member of the crew sailing Pen Duick VI. The Prefecture was alerted to the call. OGR requested confirmation from all entrants and Spirit of Helsinki reported the MOB was from Pen Duick VI and the person concerned had been recovered. At the time of writing Pen Duick VI has yet to confirm further clarification of the incident and OGR control is awaiting further information.

Also, within the first 30 minutes, the stunning Swan 65 Evrika FR (07) and IRC winners of leg 3 Triana FR (66) came a little too close for comfort narrowly avoiding a collision but resulting in Evrika colliding with and spearing a buoy with their bowsprit. Damage reports have not yet been received from Evrika but it must have been a tricky extraction… Explorer AU (28) was also to suffer from the big sea hitting a large port control maker in a stalled tack, sliding up onto it before dragging past. They reported the damage as ‘cosmetic’ and continued unaffected by the hit and run.

All this drama and the fleet hadn’t even left the bay!

The day started a lot less dramatically for 137 sailors setting sail for Cowes, UK in the final leg of the OGR. With final provisions stowed, phones sealed in grab bags and last-minute maintenance completed the crews assembled in front of the Yacht Club Punta Del Este for the customary fleet photo. There was also another generous presentation by the club for each yacht as a memento of their time in the Punta del Este stopover. Meanwhile, the naval band entertained the spectators who’d gathered to wave the fleet off – many recalling memories of former Whitbread Round the World stopover.

Explorer AU (28) was the first to leave the pontoon at 11:00 – the remaining fleet following at 10-minute intervals. Finnish yacht Galiana WithSecure FI (06) didn’t disappoint and provided the now anticipated operatic performance from crew member Ville Norra up the mizzen mast to the delight of the silent crowds lining the wall. Then the ceremonial cannon fire from the Skipper Tapio as they left the marina. Translated 9 ITL (09) were scheduled to be first away but requested last as they were still out shopping for food a couple hours earlier and frantic packing was underway. They were the last to slip lines with emotional farewells from their supporters. Co-skipper Marco Trombetti was among the many Translated 9 fans on the pontoon. Not sailing on this leg Marco was on this occasion waving his wife Isabelle off as she set sail for Cowes, UK.

Today’s start proved extra special as it’s not only the last departure of the OGR, but it’s the first time since the September race start that the entire fleet has departed together.

The sun shone for the 14:00 start with huge numbers turning out to witness the spectacle, which included the presence of the Uruguayan Naval Vessel “Audaz”. The lumpy seas and swell meant very challenging tactical decisions were required. Within a couple of hours, it was Maiden UK (03) who was to take the lead in the fleet – but with over 6650 nm to the Royal Yacht Squadron finish line in Cowes, there’s a long way to go…….