I feel like a proper Viking,” Olsson said between chuckles after a ceremonial helmet was placed on his head and an axe in his hand. His fighting spirit, and that of his crew and shore team, had already been proved.
It’s been 27 days since they set sail from Singapore for leg four and 18 since they started taking on water through a big crack in their hull. They suspended racing in Taiwan, their boat underwent major surgery, and then, with no one else on the track they resumed racing on Thursday morning (local time) and finished the leg at 1801 local time tonight to collect four points for fifth place.
They were some of the hardest earned points ever claimed in this event, but Olsson had no intention of using his debut as a Volvo skipper to break an old habit.
“I think I’ve done 40 legs in the Whitbread or Volvo and I have never abandoned a leg,” the six-race veteran said. “I have always finished and this feels like the best finish I have ever made.
“The reason is our fantastic boat builders and shore team. They never gave up even when it looked hopeless. They battled on and wanted us to finish in time for the next start and we almost made it.”
In the grand scheme of what they achieved by getting here, the five hours separating their arrival from the fleet’s departure for leg five is no disaster.
But it wasn’t easy covering the final 650 miles with just seven sailors after three got off in Taiwan. “It was really frustrating in the end,” he added. “It was cold like crazy and we were freezing. We could steer for 10 minutes and then we had to switch we were so freezing.”
Normally, it would be worth it for the rest and relaxation that comes at the end of a stage, but Olsson, visiting China for the first time, does not have that luxury. The crew expect to leave for the longest leg in the history of the race within two hours of their arrival.
In between, they must load 40 days worth of provisions, a few sails, some fuel, satisfy customs and welcome Magnus Woxen, Arve Roaas and Eivind Melleby onboard. Richard Mason leaves with an injury, while Jan Neergaard and Klas Nylof step off. Olsson laughed at the task, but is confident his shore crew can get his team on the track in good time.