7 ways to survive in the Southern Ocean

On Sunday December 10th, the Volvo Ocean Race fleet left Cape Town and plunged into the mysterious Southern Ocean, the most remote ocean on the planet! It is more real than ever before. Since 1973, the Southern Ocean has been the ultimate testing ground for the world's best yachtsmen. In an incredibly fast race to the limit, it can be both exciting and dangerous. It will be an epic 6,500 miles, with huge waves, freezing storms, biblical winds and crazy storms.

7 ways to survive in the Southern Ocean

Volvo Ocean Race 2017-2018

Volvo Ocean Race 2017-2018

Volvo Ocean Race 2017-2018

Here are some basic tips on how to survive in the Southern Ocean:

1. Hold on tight. The region from 40 ° S latitude to the South Arctic Circle has the strongest winds on planet Earth, and cyclonic storms move eastward across the continent. The good news for those in the race is that this means a very fast race.

2. Always be prepared. Water temperatures range from -2 to 10 ° C around Antarctica, and in winter the ocean surface freezes to 65 ° S in the Pacific sector. Do not forget to wear thermal underwear and gloves, and also always have a bottle of hot water with you.

3. Sleep with one eye open. Be careful, the Southern Ocean is home to huge, untouched icebergs - and up to 90% their masses are submerged, they do pose a serious threat to crews. Watch out and be on the alert, especially for small, drifting icebergs that are more difficult to spot. But worst of all, when the black night falls, they still hide and silently wait for you.

Volvo Ocean Race 2017-2018

Volvo Ocean Race 2017-2018

4. Explore. The colder the air, the denser it is. This results in stronger and more powerful winds in the Southern Ocean. This is not an easy variable to quantify, but it is one of the reasons why boats Volvo Ocean 65 are often faster than their theoretical polar velocities in this part of the world.

5. Enjoy Antarctic Surfing. When the winds blow unhindered around the globe, when they are not interfered with by any land, a long swaying wave forms, providing a rather unique leeward sailing experience. When the boat glides over the wave, it is faster than the waves, so a steady hand is required at the helm to avoid colliding with the waves ahead.

Volvo Ocean Race 2017-2018

6. Make friends with your neighbors. In the waters of the Antarctic Ocean and on the mainland, very curious creatures live, make friends with everyone you meet, from albatrosses to whales.

7. Know that you will be taken care of. You are in a very remote place, but you are in good hands. Two Maritime Rescue Service focal points operate this area: the New Zealand branch is located west of 131 ° West longitude and the Chile branch to the east. As for Volvo Ocean Race, then headquartered in Alicante, is in constant contact with rescue centers and crews, ensuring the safety of the fleet.