Zim Monaco's incredible act of kindness

Ken Read answers interview questions via Inmarsat 

Photo: Amory Ross/Volvo Ocean Race

This leg is nothing like the last one, in so many ways. No more mountainous waves, no more freezing temperatures and definitely not the boat-breaking conditions.

The fleet are heading north, looking forward to the Champagne sailing they enjoyed last time they navigated these waters, way back on leg one.

Puma is leading the pack and loving life. They even bumped into the very ship that had gone out of its way to give essential diesel fuel to them after they dropped the mast on leg one. Amazingly they saw the ship in port in Itajaí, Brazil.

Stopped on dock
Puma’s skipper, Kenny Read, was shocked to be stopped on the dock by the relief captain, who passed on the regards of Captain Bondar.

Apparently, Read reported, the ship’s crew have been following the race closely and watching loads of Volvo videos ever since they helped the little red boat in the middle of the Atlantic.

He also brought them a gift - a bottle of whisky and a carton of cigarettes. What else would a ship’s crew offer for a gift?

Travels globe
“So what are the chances of ever seeing the Zim Monaco again? A container ship that travels the globe - not a chance, right?" quipped the Puma skipper.

“One thing that will always stick with me is the comment that Captain Bondar made when we wrote to each other following our diesel loading,” continued Read.

“Of course, I thanked him profusely after the incredible act of kindness that he displayed - for sure, something that cost his company money to do.

Help each other
“His response… ‘In as much as we are all seamen, we should all help each other at unforeseen situations that arise at sea’.

“A pretty amazing attitude in today’s world of corporate profits and time management.

“I can tell you one thing for sure - we contacted about five other ships via VHF those fateful days, looking for diesel and some help.

Radio trouble
“Once we explained our situation to each ship, each one of them mysteriously had trouble speaking English or had radio trouble all of a sudden. Not the Zim Monaco.

“So the Zim Monaco is alive and well. It turns out they’ve been to Singapore, China, South Korea and here to Brazil since we saw them last. They’re off to Argentina and Uruguay next - their own little Volvo Ocean Race.”

We still have more exciting legs to race in this edition, but it’s clear the fleet are now heading back into more hospitable waters!

Mark Covell