The 2,500 mile leg will test the endurance of the entire fleet. At the skipper's press conference yesterday, Kenny commented "Fast or slow, we need to get there in one piece. We have to look out for each other. We could get into situations where others need our help so it is a challenge for everyone, not just individually but as a fleet. Of course we'll be racing as hard as ever, we're all as competitive as each other, but we also have to keep in mind that we just have to get there in one piece." It was a common theme echoed by all the skippers. Everyone has acknowledged this will be a tough leg with a short stopover on the other end, before beginning Leg Five to Brazil – the longest in the race. There will be a fine balance between pushing the boat and crew hard enough to win, and pushing it a little too far and over the limits.
Once in China, the PUMA crew can expect an average temperature of around five degrees centigrade. Throw a little snow and ice into the mix and you have all the makings of a memorable stopover, one that will be a definite contrast the endless summer journey the team's been enjoying so far. Shore Manager Neil Cox and the shore team will have their hands full preparing il mostro for the Qingdao In-Port Race on Saturday, February 7th.
Listen to live audio tomorrow from Singapore on the Volvo Ocean Race website. The start gun will go off at 1300 local/0500 GMT/midnight EST.
