Team Malizia managed to secure a last minute podium place in Friday’s In-Port Race and were in 3rd position as they went through the leaving gate in Itajaí on Sunday for the 5,550 nautical mile (10,279 km) journey to Newport in the USA.
Will Harris (GBR) replaces Boris Herrmann as skipper and he is joined by new crew member Christopher Pratt (FRA) who brings with him a wealth of offshore sailing experience. Also back on board are Nicolas Lunven (FRA) and Rosalin Kuiper (NED) who has recovered well from the concussion she experienced at the end of the 3rd leg. Antoine Auriol (FRA/GER) returns as Team Malizia’s on board reporter.
At 29, Will Harris is the youngest skipper in this edition of The Ocean Race and he is relishing the challenge: “I am super-hungry and super-determined to achieve what I set out to do and I will work very hard for it,” Harris says. “I’ve been fortunate that Boris and Team Malizia have put their trust in me. It’s a dream come true!”
Leg 4 is the final major south to north passage of The Ocean Race. The route will see the fleet cross the equator for a second time and negotiate the infamous doldrums, as well as an additional hazard in the form of the big clusters of Sargassum seaweed that populate parts of the Atlantic Ocean.
Leg 4 is expected to last between 17-19 days, and whilst the crews will need to make some big strategic decisions en route, it is anticipated it will be another closely fought race. Team Malizia currently sit in 2nd position on the overall scoreboard and with 60% of the points still up for grabs they have everything to play for, so we wish them the very best of luck.
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.