By now you’ve seen the pictures, heard the story and probably watched the video of when the Volvo Ocean 65 ran aground on a reef near Mauritius last year. Team Vestas Wind was torn nearly in half, losing most if its stern, stranding the crew on a tiny island and decimating their hopes for the race around the world.

But they haven’t given up, vowing to have the boat back in the water to finish the race in June

Originally built in 281 days, the crew have less than 100 days to get her seaworthy again. Not just that, but the boat has to be just as light and strong as it was originally. Replacing the entire outer hull is the only way to keep the weight down, so as you read this, a team of guys have just finished laying sheet upon sheet of carbon in a giant mould of the Volvo Ocean 65. This shell will be fitted to the existing structure of Team Vestas Wind, before all the fitting are reinstalled (most were removed on the reef in Mauritius to prevent them being stolen) and the boat re-rigged for testing.

Once she’s back together, the Volvo 65 will be shipped overseas, and the crew (albeit with a new navigator!) will be back in the race!

Check out this video of the reconstruction, we’re in awe of the carbon fibre. It’s literally everywhere!

#News #Sailing