Spanish yacht seizes Volvo lead
Print Edition
MAPFRE bounced back from a tough week when it took the early lead on Monday in the sixth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race from Itajai, Brazil, to Newport, Rhode Island.
On Thursday, the Spanish team was docked two points by an independent ISAF (governing body) jury for a rules infringement after making repairs to its boat without first having them approved by race management.
Then its shore crew worked all night on Friday, reinforcing the boat’s mast after fears it had fractured during the previous leg from Auckland to Brazil.
Despite these concerns, skipper Xabi Fernandez guided the team into an early lead over the six-strong fleet in very light winds off the east coast of Brazil on Monday, 24 hours after departing Itajai.
MAPFRE was pursued by Team Alvimedica (US/Turkey), just 1.5 nautical miles adrift, with overall leader, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, Team SCA (Sweden), Dongfeng Race Team (China) and Team Brunel (Netherlands) tucked in behind. The boats are forecast to arrive in Newport between May 6-9, after 17-20 days of sailing.
Although Abu Dhabi boasts a seven-point lead at the top of the standings, there is still 45 per cent of the points still to sail for after five out of nine legs.
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