Originally Posted by
Velo Vol
What do they do when they sleep? Is there a sailing equivalent of autopilot?
Yes there is an autopilot. They can also trim sails to maintain a course relative to the wind. Sleeping typically comes in short intervals, and sleep management is an important part of the race. The race can take anywhere from 2.5 to 5 months, so there are physical endurance issues, equipment failure issues, the risk of hitting things in the water (whales and cargo containers are all over the place), etc. Have to be prepared to be totally self-sufficient for the entire time. You are allowed to anchor, but you cannot leave the boat or allow anyone else on it. All repairs have to be done by the sailor.
The race is currently running, and the first boats are expected to finish mid-January.
By the way, autopilots are pretty common. I even have one on my lake boat. Allows me to go below to fix a drink or take a pee. Also allows me to sail single handed and step away from the wheel to trim and hoist sails and the like.