Racing in the Celtic Sea and English Channel Dramatic Experience

Ericsson Racing Team began Leg 8 of the Volvo Ocean Race on Saturday, June 6. The 1,250-nautical mile leg stretches from Galway, Ireland, to Marstrand, Sweden. Strong winds were on hand for Saturday's start and propelled the fleet past the west and south coasts of Ireland, across the Celtic Sea to Land's End and the English Channel by Sunday June 7.

The strong winds gave a rough ride to the crews. Overall race leader Ericsson 4 suffered a violent broach along Ireland's south coast that knocked it from the lead. A broach is a wipe out at high speed, and this one broke the starboard (right) side helmsman's station, taking out the steering wheel and guard rail around it. The fleet is very evenly matched in boatspeed, and one slight slipup can put paid to many hours of hard work.