Dave Kneale/Volvo Ocean Race
The Team Russia entry Kosatka has set off on its 2,000-mile race qualifier with an unofficial Round Britain and Ireland monohull record in its sights.
The omens were good as the crew started the course off Ventnor, south of the Isle of Wight, in 40 knots of wind.
Unfortunately the world speed council will not officially recognise the record as they did not have anyone inspect the boat before it set off, despite the fact that it was recently inspected and measured by Volvo Ocean Race chief measurer, James Dadd.
Irrespective, the crew are fired up to go for the unofficial mark which stands at 7 days, 4 hours, 46 minutes and 22 seconds – set by Solune, a 60ft monohull, in May 2004.
Conditions look favourable – plenty of wind predicted blowing in the right direction – as they travel anti-clockwise around the British Isles.
We will carry regular blogs chronicling their progress. The first, from skipper Andreas Hanakamp, appears in the ‘Team Russia’ blog box.
You can watch hours of race video at www.VolvoOceanRace.tv, the official Race TV channel for free!
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