The Brazilian catamaran Adrenalina Pura, skippered by Georg Ehrensperger, finished the gruelling SAP Cape to Rio 2003 late Sunday evening.
Shortly after they came off the water, Ehrensperger commented on his yacht's performance in the race.
"I think it was a nice race, but unfortunately rather calm. I expected more wind during the first days and definitely not to have the gate closed on our entrance into Rio," said Ehrensperger, who had a frustrating day before crossing the finish line.
It took them almost twenty-four hours to complete the last 90 miles of the 3400-mile ocean crossing.
Talking about his race tactics, a disappointed Ehrensperger said that his more northerly course did not pay off as expected as they only benefited from it for a couple of days. The Swedish trimaran Nicator gambled on a more direct route and it was expected that they'll be becalmed in the high pressure system for longer than one day.
"Technological advances definitely have an effect on racing tactics, especially from a weather point of view. Our technology allowed us to monitor weather faxes and grip files, which give the estimated winds at different times over an area.
Ehrensperger and his crew on board the sleek catamaran gave spectators a nerve-wracking finish, when he looked to be on a collision course with a huge oil tanker.
"Just as we were approaching the finish line, I saw a big oil tanker. I tried calling them on the radio, but could not get any response. Obviously I would have started the engines to avoid them if I thought it would be a problem. But I knew we'd be OK," said a calm Ehrensperger.
Ehrensperger was delighted with the race and stated that it was a safe and enjoyable ocean race, although he did miss a nice shower. His immediate plans after the finish was to have a big steak for dinner, before flying out on Sunday night to participate in a race in Salvadore.
"The Cape to Rio is a great event to do and I would like to thank the organisers - the race was well organised and the hospitality in Cape Town was great. Our reception in Rio was good too!" finished Ehrensperger.