A race against time for Dongfeng Race Team

Dongfeng Race Team in Ushuaia during Volvo Ocean Race Leg 5 © Yann Riou/Dongfeng Race Team / Volvo Ocean Race

Update from Ushuaia, a beautiful place

"It might not be the adventure I was expecting but it's an adventure nonetheless." – Charles Caudrelier

The Dongfeng Race Team shore crew have successfully arrived in Ushuaia, Argentina. The boat will be motor sailed up to Itajai and the expected time of departure is this evening, although this may change.

Carrying 1500 litres of fuel onboard it will take between 10-12 days for the passage up the coast. The shore team of Graham Tourell, Guillaume Le Taud and Henry Woodhouse joined probably by Black and Wolf (due to immigration issues for the Chinese) and possibly one other shore crew will form the delivery crew.

There are many variables ahead for the team, every hour really counts. They will exit the Beagle Channel at the eastern end (opposite to where the boat came in) and head round the south east corner of Argentina, then head north for Itajai, a distance of approximately 2000 miles.

It is now a race against time to be on the start line in Itajai.

Which replacement mast will be available has still yet to be fully confirmed, and the team are looking at the options for air cargo to get it to Itajai in sufficient time. All the decisions have to be made also in conjunction with Insurers to ensure that the cover in place is respected.

The Dongfeng Race Team has been ably, and kindly, supported by Ben Wright (from Team Mapfre's shore team), local coastguard and officials. Not to mention the friendly locals...