That’s the tag line dreamed up by some smart marketing types for the Volvo Ocean Race (The VOR in sailing circles), a round-the-world, crewed, sailboat race that is presently in the Southern Ocean (expect the bats to stop in Boston some time in April).
Anyway, what makes it extreme? Here’s part of e-mail from Chris Main, the helmsman aboard the VOR 60 named Green Dragon. There’re also some subtle (ha!) tips on how you, too, can prepare for the life of an offshore racer. Any UK slang has appropriate Americanisms noted.
“I think Volvo has got it pretty spot on with life at the extreme. Living in one of these ocean racing beasts while hurtling round the world’s oceans, here is what I have found extreme so far this leg...
“Hopping into a bed or rack after your opposite watch person has got out, having spent the last hours sweating like you have been in a sauna is extreme.
“Four days of blast reaching [crazy ass wind at the fastest point of the sail; i.e., perpendicular to the direction of travel] is tough. Unable to look forward without a helmet and visor on for fear of your eyelids getting turned inside out is extreme.
“Trying to use the bathroom is extreme. For those keen to get some Volvo experience you could try using the loo [bathroom] in a caravan [RV trailer] while being towed around a motorcross track at 100 kms [60 mph].
“Being woken by the ceiling making contact with your head while you have been levitated out of your bunk every 10 minutes can be extreme.”
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