CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand have had mixed fortunes in the Volvo Ocean Race so far, but that may be about to change.
As the team sped along the Brazilian coast between Rio and and Salvador do Bahia on day three of Leg 6 from Itajai to Miami, they were paid a visit by beautiful pod of dolphins.
Dolphins are considered lucky in many different cultures and a symbol of protection. This belief stems from the fact that ancient sailors who had spent months or even years at sea, found the sight of dolphins swimming around their ships to be the first sign that land was near. The Ancient Greeks considered it a good omen when dolphins rode in a ship’s wake.
On seeing the dolphins acrobatically jumping in and out of the water, navigator Will Oxley, a marine biologist with 22 years experience, said: “Very cool. They always put a smile on your face when you see them. They’re amazing."
Tony Rae is hoping the visit by the dolphins brings a change in fortunes for the third-placed Camper team who are still looking for their first leg win but are still very much in the mix with just 32 points separating the top four boats.
“Normally it’s good luck to have dolphins swim round your boat and follow you for a while, so let’s hope that works out for us,” he said.
