After departing Itajaí in Brazil, the two teams constantly traded first and second positions, with Team Malizia just having the edge on crossing the equator. As they passed from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere, the intense, competitive racing continued right to the end of the leg, often in unpredictable weather conditions and a challenging sea state.
In another impressive performance, Team Malizia displayed great energy, teamwork and resilience throughout. On arrival in Newport, skipper Will Harris commented: “What an amazing leg it has been, such a close fight, and finally finishing 30 minutes or so behind 11th Hour Racing Team! I’m so proud of our team, they have sailed an amazing leg and done a fantastic job. To be here in second place, to prove that we can be really fast in these lighter wind conditions is an amazing feeling. Now, we are really in for the fight in the overall ranking.”
Team Malizia continued their ‘A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now!’ mission during leg 4, collecting valuable scientific data and observing first-hand the impact of climate change on the ocean. Most noticeably, they had to navigate large amounts of sargassum seaweed which has grown in size due to rising temperatures. During the short stop off in Newport, the team will host children from a local school for another ‘My Ocean Challenge’ event and hold a panel debate on sustainable shipping.
Leg 5 of The Ocean Race from Newport to Aarhus in Denmark starts on Sunday, 21 May 2023 and sees the return of Boris Herrmann as skipper. Leg 5 is another double points leg and with the scores at the top of leader board so close, it looks like there are many more twists and turns still to come in this thrilling edition of The Ocean Race.
For more information and to follow the race, head to Team Malizia's website and social media channels (YouTube, Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram) or visit The Ocean Race website.