Monday, June 25, 2018
VOR65 - Ocean Race 2017/18 - The Hague NED - Final results - Victory for 'Dongfeng'
In a dramatic final, Charles Caudrelier FRA and his team managed to turn a 50-mile lag into a stage win yesterday and thus also into the overall victory in the last few hours of the race. 'Dongfeng' being initially in a leading position choose a risky strategy close to the Dutch coast and lost a lot at first. However, in the final miles they benefitted from stronger winds and a better angle to the wind, which resulted in a much higher speed. As a consequence, Dongfeng arrived at the finish line more than half an hour ahead of their rivals. 'Mapfre' with Javi Fernandez ESP finished third and took second place overall, 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) had to settle for third place in the final ranking. The report, the final ranking and the video of the final day.
Yesterday afternoon, the start of the final leg of the Volvo Ocean Race took place in Gothenburg. With fresh winds, the fleet has already passed the first mark on the Norwegian coast and is now on its way to the next mark close to Aarhus before turning back to the North Sea to head to the finish The Hague. 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA has taken the lead. 3.5 miles behind is 'Mapfre' with Javi Fernandez ESP. 'Brunel' with Bouwe Bekking NED is 12 miles behind in fourth place. The 
Today at 14h CET (12h UMT) the 7 teams of the Volvo Ocean Race will attack the final leg of the race to Den Haag NED. The tension is on since 3 teams still are on the hunt of the overall victory: 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) and 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) are on top of the ranking while 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) is just one point back - the 
In Gothenburg the 7 teams of the Volvo Ocean Race sailed their last Inport-Race of this year's edition. In moderate winds it was 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA who crossed the finish line first. Behind 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) finished 3rd and secured the overall victory in the Inport-Rankings. The 
Yesterday in Gothenburg, the 10th leg of the VOR ended in spectacular fashion: 'Brunel' with Bouwe Bekking NED simply drove past 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) with superior speed, taking the win and moving up to 'Mapfre' in the overall standings '. The 
Yesterday, the fleet passed the northern tip of the UK and turned into the home straight towards Gothenburg. The 7 teams continue to sail close together – the top 6 boats are only 10 miles apart, and also the 7 th placed 'Scallywag' (David Witt AUS) is a mere 31 miles behind. There are still 350 miles to go to the finish which will take the fleet around 24 hours to complete. 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) continues to lead. In second place is 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED), 1.5 miles behind and a further 1.5 miles back is 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA). The 
Yesterday, too, the conditions remained slack at first, only in the evening and during the night, the fleet has picked up speed in southerly winds. Meanwhile, the northern tip of Ireland has been passed and today the 7 teams are currently in the north of England will be heading towards Scandinavia. Heavy weather and wind over 40 knots is predicted. The first 5 teams are still just 6 miles apart. The new leader is 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP), only 2.5 miles ahead of 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA). The 
Moderate winds prevailed during the first 30 hours of the 10th stage, the fleet rarely reached speeds above 10kn. This morning, the 7 teams are sailing still quite close together along Ireland's west coast to the north. The new leader now is 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) but but is at equal distance to the finishing line as 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP). Only 0.3 miles behind is 'Dongfeng' with (Charles Caurelier FRA). The 'Scallywag' (David Witt AUS), who fell far behind after the start, was able to reduce the distance to the leaders to 20 miles yesterday. The 
No wind and a strong tide were the difficult settings for the start of leg 10 of the Volvo Ocean Race in Cardiff. The short, 1300 miles leg to Gothenborg leads the fleet first around Ireland, the wind improved since the start, boats are progressing with an average of 17kn. 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) took the lead 4 miles ahead of 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED), 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) follows close behind on 3rd. The 
The start of the 10th leg of the Ocean Race will take place tomorrow in Cardiff. The distance of the penultimate leg is only about 1,300 miles and the fleet is expected to reach Gothenburg SWE in less than 3 days. Yesterday, the 7 teams sailed Cardiff's inport race in moderate winds, 'Dongfeng' won ahead of 'Mapfre' and 'Brunel'. The 
The next Edition of the race in 2021 will be held under a new sponsorship. ‘Atlant Ocean Racing Spain’ led by Richard Brisius, Johan Salén and Jan Litborn will take over the Ocean Race from Volvo. Some changes are planned, among other things, several classes will probably compete. In addition to the VOR65, IMOCA Open 60 catamarans as well as other classes will be considered. The 
As 7th and last boat 'Scallywag' and David Witt AUS arrived in Cardiff GBR early this morning, 24 hours after first rankend 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED). In the 
175nm before the arrival, the outcome of leg 9 is fully open, with difficult unpredictable wind conditions during the last 100nm. Each of the five leading boat can finish up on rank 1. 
With roughly 600nm left for Cardiff GBR - ETA tomorrow evening - the race remains fully open. AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) leads 6nm ahead of 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED). 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) follows on 3rd with a 46nm backlog. Today, a lull zone has to be passed and it might well be, that the positions will be quite different by tomorrow morning UTC. 
Strong gradient winds from the south allowed fast reaching yesterday. 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) leading the fleet now, set a new 24-hour-record for the VOR65-class: 579miles. Just a few miles behind 'AkzoNobel' follows the second Dutch team 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED). 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) on 3rd is already 35 miles back. The fast reaching will come to an end today: A windless highpressure system lies ahead of the fleet and 1'200 more miles to sail. The 
The variable winds stayed on over the Atlantic Ocean yesterday ! During the past 24h, the wind changed from East to South, bringing the southern group back in the lead. In reaching conditions, the VOR65 chase at velocities of up to 26kn with 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) now 9nm in front of 'Akzo Nobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) and 15nm of 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA). The first boat of the northern pack, 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA), is 44nm behind the leader. 
After two fast days with easterly winds, the breeze has shifted East forcing the team to sail upwind, a wet and rough affair. See the 
The fleet was split in half yesterday in a thick fog with about 50m visibility. Four teams with the leader 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) gybed North and distanced the other three boats initially. But during the past night. the Southern Group is enjoying better conditions and 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) is only 0,4nm back, to take the lead in the coming hours. 
Rain and moderate winds prevailed yesterday during the Newport InPort Race, as always the prologue to the next leg of the Ocean Race, to be started this evening. 'Brunel' of Bouwe Bekking NED took the lead right from the start and was the clear winner ahead of 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP) and 'Vestas' of Charlie Enright USA. With this rank 2, 'Mapfre' extended her lead in the InPort Race rankings. 
The previously announced InPort race will take place in NewPort RI today at 17.45 UTC, and can be followed live on the 
Today in Newport RI, the Ocean Race will be relaunched with the InPort Race, before the 7 teams will start to leg 9 across the Atlantic Ocean to Cardiff GBR on Sunday. Most probably, the 
The light winds near the finish resulted in a massive compression in the fleet, all the way back to the backmarker 'Scallywag' (David Witt AUS) who were trailing the leaders by over 130nm just one day ago. But when 'Mapfre' (Xabi Fernandez ESP)RE crossed the finish line on Tuesday morning, she was only 20nm behind. 
At Press Deadline this morning 6h UTC, the boats were in the final approach to the finish line off Newport RI. The final outcome is still open as - with 16nm left - the leading 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) was only 0,7nm ahead of 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) and 2,8nm in front of 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP). 
With 280nm left this morning UTC, the outcome of leg 8 to Newport RI was still wide open, as the gaps between the boats are minimal and the approach to the finish line bears some challenging meteorological barriers. 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) was 12nm ahead of 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA). 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) and 'Turn the tide on plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR), 37 respectively 50nm behind are not too far away either. The fleet will arrive during the late evening UTC, prime time EDT. 
675nm were left this morning UTC for the leading 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) to the port of call Newport RI. Nothing has been decided yet, as the gaps between the teams are still quite small. 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) on 2nd was only 5nm behind, and the weather conditions are very instable leaving all strategic option open. ETA will be Monday morning. 
The seven teams, driven by a well-estalished trade wind, made good mileage in the past 24 hours and were approaching Florida this morning UTC. With the breeze slackening in the North now, the distances between the boats are about to shrink. 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) is now only 7nm ahead of 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA). Another 2nm behind follows 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) on rank 3. The ETA in Newport R.I. is Monday morning. 
The speedrace of the VOR65, stretched over a longer distance now, is continuing northbound to the Caribbeans with over 20kn velocity. 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) remains in the lead with a 20nm advantage ahead of 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA). With a 31nm backlog, 'Turn the tide on plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) stays on rank 3. 
The VOR65 have been making good progress in the northern trade winds at speeds exceeding 20kn in the fresh breeze abeam. 'Brunel' with Bouwe Bekking NED keeps the lead 12nm ahead of 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA). 'Turn the tide on Plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) on 3erd is now 23nm behind. 
Yesterday, the fleet crossed the Equator and at the same time the hardly existing innertropical convergence zone. Having reached the northern trade winds, an eternal upwind beat lies ahead direction Caribbeans. 'Brunel' with Bouwe Bekking was the fastest across the Doldrums and leads now 6nm ahead of 'Turn the tide on Plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR). Another 6nm back follows 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) on rank 3. The port of call Newport RI is 3'000nm away. 
The 7 teams will reach the Equator today and the southern trade winds are coming to an end. The innertropical convergence zone ahead will most probably reshuffle the fleet. This morning UTC, 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA was in the lead ahead of 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA), 'Turn the tide on Plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) and 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) closely behind. 
The fleet has been moving closer together in the southern trade winds. 'Turn the tide on Plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) is still on the first position but 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) is now only 2nm behind. 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) and 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) are not far away either. 
The fleet has now reached the southern trade winds on the way north. 'Turn the tide on Plastic' with Dee Caffari GBR remains on top and her advantage on 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) was 9nm this morning UTC. 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) followed on the 3rd place with a 17nm backlog. The drag race direction north will continue for about two days before the yachts will touch the innertropical convergence zone with unconstant winds from lulls to thunderstorms. 
The 7 teams heading North are still challenged by variable winds and during the past night UTC, a major positon change happened with 'Turn the tide on Plastic' of Dee Caffari GBR, the most eastern boat of the fleet, has touched fresher winds as first moving on top with a 13nm advantage on 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) and 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA), the first persuers. 
On their way North, the 7 teams reached yesterday the southern trade winds. New on the first position is now 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA 1,8nm ahead of 'Turn the tide on plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) on 2nd. The fleet is separated by 5nm only.
The speedrace North continued yesterday with 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) as fastest taking the lead 3,7nm ahead of 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) on 2nd. Another 0,4nm back follows 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP) down on 3rd. 
Yesterday, the start was given to the 5'700nm leg 8 of the Ocean Race from Itajai BRA to Newport RI, USA. The seven teams are sailing upwind direction East searching for fresher winds. 
Yesterday, three days before the start to leg 8 of the VOR over 7'500nm from Itajai to Newport RI, USA, 'Scallywag' arrived at the port of call in Brazil. After the tragic loss at sea of John Fisher GBR, David Witt AUS abandoned leg 8 and did a stopover at the closest harbour in Chile. The transfer to Brazil around Cape Horn was done by a substitute team. In the coming two days, yacht and equipment have to be examined, repaired or replaced to be in shape for the next leg, as the materilal stress during the crossing of the Southern Seas was tremendous. 
Yesterday, 'Vestas' sailing under jury rig joined the VOR fleet at Itajai BRA. The team was 9 days underway from the Falklands to Brazil. The shore team is now busy to fix and adjust the new mast before the start to leg 8 to Newport RI in 9 days on April 22nd. 
Yesterday, 'Mapfre' with Xavi Fernandez ESP crossed the finish line of leg 7 in Itajai with a 5 day's backlog on the winner 'Brunel'. After their 17-hour repair stop after Cape Horn, she stalled in the St-Helena anticyclone during days. The 
'Mapfre' with Xavi Fernandez ESP was 21nm away from the finish in Itajai this morning UTC. After their repair stop near Cape Horn, the Spanish overall VOR leaders dropped back considerably on the South Atlantic, loosing the first position in the consolidated rankings. Four races are on the program and nothing has been lost yet. 
Early this morning, Dee Caffari GBR on her 'Turn the tide on plastic' crossed the finish line of leg 7 as 4th. The last to finish will be 'Mapfre' tomorrow. 
"Lay day" in Itajai BRA, as only by this evening, the next team - 'Turn the tide on plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) - will cross the finish line as 4th. 'Mapfre' (Xabi Fernandez ESP) is still underway.
This morning UTC, 'AkzoNobel' with Simeon Tienpont NED finished as 3rd in leg 7 at the Brazilian holiday resort Itajai. The next to arrive will be Dee Caffari GBR with 'Turn the tide on plastic', but this in 2 days only. 
The leading duo reached Itajai BRA, port of call of leg 7, yesterday after 17 days underway. 'Brunel' with Bouwe Bekking NED defended the first place and finished just 15 minutes ahead of 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA. The Sino-French team will herewith take the 
The leading duo 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) and 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA), separated by 1,5nm, had 130nm to left this morning UTC to the port of call Itajai BRA. An exciting matchrace lies ahead ! The positions behind the leaders are firm, as the distances between the boats are considerable. 
On the South Atlantic, the duel between 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED), reclaiming the first position 13nm ahead, and 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) continues. 660 Meilen or roughly 2 days are left to Itajai BRA. 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) has lost some distance on the leading duo and with a 188nm backlog, he is out in the fight for victory. 'Turn the tide on plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) and 30nm behind 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP) have been caught by the St-Helena anticyclone, trailing at speeds around 3kn this morning UTC. 
The variable wind conditions on the South Atlantic after the passage of the Falklands had a major influence on the gaps between the boats. 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) moved up to the leading 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) and the two teams are battling for the lead sailing at sight. With a 52nm backlog, 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) remains in the race for winning in Itajai BRA 1'000nm or about 3 days away. 'Turn the tide on plasic' on rank 4 is still trying to repair the damaged spreader without loosing too much speed fortunately. Here the 
The windy conditions persisted during the Cape Horn rounding of the closely packed VOR65 fleet with 'Brunel' of Bouwe Bekking NED taking the point for first passing the Cape. 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) 41nm back and another 3nm behind 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) remain on the ranks 2 and 3. Still in good positions for a top rank at the port of call Itajai BRA are 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) and 'Turn the tide on plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) 30nm back. 
The fast ride direction Cape Horn continued yesterday and by this afternoon (i.e. during the night on tomorrow UTC), the leading 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) will round the final cape as first. The rest of the fleet is more than 90 miles (about 4 hours) back. 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) and 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) continue to hold ranks 2 and 3, separated by 3 miles. 'Turn the tide on plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) follows in fifth place, 130 miles behind. 
The Southern Ocean continues to show its infamous side with solid 30kn of wind and gusts of well over 40 knots. Team 'Brunel' with Bouwe Bekking NED seems to cope best with these conditions. They were able to extend their lead on 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) to 53 miles. 'Dongfeng' and 'Mapfre' in 3rd and 4th follow just a few miles behind. 
In more than 35kn of wind, 'Sun Hung Kai Scallywag' who is sailing at the very end of the fleet, reported a man overboard. The lost team member, John Fisher GBR, wore his safety suit when it happened. Unfortunately The Scallywag team were not able to locate him in the rough seas and galeforce winds and had to continue in the race. A commercial vessel, which is 400 miles away, has been redirected to the zone to continue searching - The 
The expected weather system carried westerly galeforce winds of up to 45kn yesterday which have slacked a bit in the meantime. The next weather front with high wind speeds is expected on Monday evening. 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) managed to extend her lead to 27 miles, 'Vestas', 'Dongfeng' and 'Turn the tide on Plastic' which are only four miles apart, are first pursuers. 'Mapfre', on the other hand, is currently loosing miles against the leaders. Damage to the mast track makes it impossible for the Spaniards to hoist the main sail fully. In the now more moderate conditions, a fully reset main sail would be required. With Reef 2 they are at times up to 3kn slower than the rest of the fleet. The 
At high speeds over 20kn the fleet chases east towards Cape Horn. The winner of the day is 'Brunel' skippered by Bouwe Bekking NED who has has taken the lead. 'Turn the Tide on Plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) is second, only 1.5 miles back. Mapfre (Javi Fernandez ESP) in third is just 5 miles behind. The 
After 7 days of racing, the first strong wind zone from the west has hit the fleet, which is now sailing in the ‘Howling Fifties’. The teams are racing eastwards, remaining as southern as possible just along the ice border on the 52nd southern latitude. With 8 jibes within 24 hours, 'Brunel' with Bouwe Bekking NED has taken the lead, ahead of 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) who is just 2 miles back. The fleet is still quite close together with the exception of 'Scallywag' (David Witt AUS), who is almost 150 miles back. There are still three days to go until the competitors will reach Cape Horn. The 
In the past 24 hours the fleet continued to sail at high speeds of over 20kn to the east. This morning, 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) took the lead 15 miles ahead of 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) and 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA). 'Turn the tide on plastic' with Dee Caffari GBR (and Elodie-Jane Mettraux SUI) follows in sixth with 39 miles behind the track. 
The fleet has now reached the Howling Fifties on their way south. In about 25kn of wind the VOR65 are able to sail at more than 20kn. Shortly before reaching the ice border, all 7 teams have now turned to the east. From the rear there is a weather system with wind speeds of up to 40kn approaching. The remaining 5 days to the Cape Horn will therefore become very rough. This morning 'AkzoNobel' with Simeon Tienpont NED was in the lead. The first pursuers 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) and 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) are still just a few miles behind. The 
Yesterday the winds turned north and strengthened to more than 20 knots. The fleet is progressing rapidly towards the south and has already reached the 52nd southern latitude. The temperatures have fallen dramatically. A cold week towards Cap Horn lies ahead. During the day, the 7 teams will reach the Westwind belt with its strong winds and subsequently turn to the east. This morning's 'Vestas' skippered by Charlie Enright USA is leading, followed by 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) and 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) are the first pursuers. 
The fresh Eastwind around 30kn forced the fleet, still sailing closely together, to a long upwind leg direction South. The most easterly 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) is the theoretical leader 5,3nm ahead of 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED). 'Mapfre' with Xavi Fernandez ESP follows 6,4nm on the 2nd position. 'Turn the tide on plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR), the most westerly boat, had the lead for a short moment, but was down on rank 6 this morning with a 12,3nm backlog.
The start of the 7th stage of the Ocean Race took place this morning. In strong winds, 'Mapfre' skippered by Javi Fernandez ESP took the early lead after the end of the extra round in Auckland. At the editorial deadline 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) has taken over and is leading ‘Mapfre’ by 0.1 mile. The 
The start of the 7,600-mile leg around the Cape Horn to Itajai BRA will take place this Sunday in Auckland NZL. The results of this leg will count double, and furthermore there will be an extra point to be won for the boat leading at the Cape Horn. The 
In light and unstable winds, the 7 teams of the Ocean Race sailed the InPort race of Auckland. 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) grabbed the victory in spite of a very poor start. 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) and 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) completed the podium. In the overall rankings of the InPort races, 'Mapfre' is still leading, 'Dongfeng' follows 3 point back. After repair of the damage, 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) was back in the race finishing 4th.
The 7 teams of the Ocean Race are currently enjoying their break in Auckland until the start of the 7th leg. The Inport Race is scheduled for next Sunday. The start of the next leg around Cape Horn to Itajai BRA follows a week later. After the fatal collision with a fishing boat, the damaged 'Vestas', which had to skip the 6th stage, is repaired and ready to race again. The 
This morning all 6 teams are sailing along the east coast of New Zealand. There are still 150 miles remaining to the finish line in Auckland. In the waning winds, the field got even closer. Only five miles are currently separating the leader ('AkzoNobel') from the fifth placed ('Mapfre'). Only 'Brunel' is slightly behind with 43 miles. The final decisions are likely to happen overnight. The 
With 325nm left to the finish line in Auckland this morning UTC, it has become evident, that the leading trio 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED), sailing hidden in stealth mode, 'Scallywag' (David Witt AUS) and 'Turn the Tide on Plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) 19nm behind will fight for victory at the port of call. The trailing trio with 'Mapfre', 'Dongfeng' and 'Brunel' was 125nm and more behind.
The fleet is split again in the lull zone North of New Zealand. The trio opting for the western detour lost only little speed building up an advantage on the other three boats. Looser of the day was 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED), trying an attack going East under stealth mode, but ended on rank 4 with a 70nm backlog. 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) stays on top only a few miles ahead of 'Scallywag' (David Witt AUS) in stealth mode this morning. Dee Caffari GBR with her 'Turn the Tide on Plastic' is on the 3rd place. The backmarker trio is now 60nm behind with 660nm to left to Auckland. 
The fleet made good progress in the trade winds and is already sailing along the Australian Eastcoast. The race remains open to the end 1'000nm away, as the leading quartet is separated by 12nm only and even the duo at the end of the fleet 50nm back retains options for a top place. North of New Zealand, a flat anticylone is in the way that will slow down the leading boats. This morning UTC, the two teams in the West reclaimed the lead: 'Sacallywag' (David Witt AUS) leads 8nm ahead of 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED). 
The heavy storm depression South of New Zealand killed the southern trade winds and the six teams are in the middle of a record-size doldrum zone, and this for the coming days as well. 
The fleet is now on the Solomon Islands latitude in a massive innertropical convergence zone stretched almost to New Zealand. The boat velocities are below 10kn and the positions remain unchanged with 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) leading 2nm ahead of 'Scallywag' (David Witt AUS). 18, respectively 21nm behind follow 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) and 'Turn the Tide on plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR). 95nm is the backlog of 'Dongfeng' and 'Mapfre' at the end of the fleet.
The weather pattern on the Pacific remains unpredictable and apparently, the innertropical convergence zone with thunderstorms and lulls is much wider as presented on the race tracker yesterday. 'Scallywag' with David Witt AUS on a fast track temporarily took the lead for a moment, but stalled this morning UTC and will probably be replaced by 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED), the only boat progressing with no decelerations and now only one mile behind the leader. The battle will go on passing the lull patches in the coming days. Everybody can win, even the backmarker 'Mapfre' 55nm behind, as there are still 1'800nm left to Auckland. 
'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) and 'Scallywag' (David Witt AUS), 20nm behind, are the big winners of the Equator crossing with a 140nm advantage on the rest of the fleet. By this evening UTC, 'Scallywag' on a more westerly course could even take the lead as this morning, she was twice as fast as 'AkzoNobel'. 
'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) and 30nm behind 'Scallywag' (David Witt AUS) on a westerly course have crossed the Doldrums the fastest and are already enjoying the southern trade winds. The other teams are still fighting with the unconstant breeze, and the 3rd-ranked 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) is already 154nm in arrears. Is this a preliminary decision ? 
The fast reaching ride direction South continued yesterday driven by the trade winds and only slight position changes happened. The situation might change today when the innertropical convergence zone will be reached by the leading boats. 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) 32nm ahead this morning UTC will loose speed and the fleet will be closing up. Remains to be seen whether 'Scallywag' (David Witt AUS) sailing on an extreme leewards position will benefit from a better wind angle. The crossing of the Doldrums will be crucial for the final outcome of leg 6.
The fleet reached the trade winds yesterday with a major change on top of the rankings. The duo 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) and 3nm behind 'Scallywag' (David Witt AUS), over 100nm back 4 days ago, has taken the lead thanks to a more direct course. 'Mapfre' on the 3rd place is already 45nm behind. But more changes will be ahead in the unpredictable conditions of the innertropical convergence zone. 
After two fast reaching days, the fleet is now more and more in the weather turbulences of the Equatorial zone and the boats have been closing up during the past night. 'Mapfre' is leading 0,15nm ahead of 'Dongfeng' and 3nm in front of 'Brunel'. Even the backmarker duo reduced the backlog on now 40nm. 
The deviation direction North has come to an end for the six teams advancing at speeds around 20kn and all boats are now heading East. The leading trio is still sailing at sight with 'Mapfre' 0,5nm ahead of 'Brunel'. 'Dongfeng' is 2,3nm behind. Approaching the doldrums, the conditions become more and more variable. 
In refreshening winds, the fleet continued the course in the "wrong direction" heading Northeast hoping for a better angle to turn South. The leading four 'Brunel', 'Mapfre', 'Dongfeng' and 'Turn the Tide on Plastic' are still within sight of each other (4nm) in brutal upwind conditions. 'AkzoNobel' and 'Scallywag', the first to veer North after passing the southern tip of Taiwan to split the fleet, find themselves over 115nm behind the other boats. 
After passing Taiwan in the South, the teams veered Northeast, almost 180° from the direct course to Auckland. Apparently, this is a circumvention of a lightwind zone ahead though not visible on the race tracker. The rankings are therefore rather meaningless. 
Sailing in a well-established moderate 10kn Eastwind, the 6 six VOR65 are about to be disturbed by the slipstream of the Taiwan island. 
This morning, the reduced 6-boats' VOR fleet - the damaged 'Vestas' is underway to New Zealand by cargo ship - departed from Hong Kong to the 6th leg over 6'500nm to Auckland. Again, the tricky doldrums, the Equator, have to be crossed with the unpredictable wind situation. 
'Vestas', damaged in a massive night-collision with a fisherman's boat in the approach to Hong Kong will not be ready to start to leg 6 direcion Auckland. The team of Charlie Enright USA and Mark Towill USA has already loaded its VOR65 on a cargo ship to Auckland as the repair could not be made in Hong Kong. Apparently, a new bow will be flown in from Italy and there should be enough time left to refit the boat before the start to leg 7 on March 18.
Challenging conditions with light winds and the current of the river mouth prevailed yesterday during the Guangzhou InPort Race. The first victim was the local hero 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA returning from premature start, who got tangled with the anchor rode of the starting buoy and had to follow the fleet far behind. 
Yesterday, six of the seven Volvo Ocean Race teams sailed 70nm up the Pearl River to Guangzhou CHN, a mini-leg not counting for the overall rankings, where tomorrow Saturday an InPort Race is on the program. "Vestas 11th Hour Racing" had informed earlier, that she will not be participating in inshore racing in Hong Kong and Guangzhou CHN, as well as leg 5 from Hong Kong to Guangzhou. The team is currently coordinating necessary repairs to the boat caused by the collision with a non-racing vessel on Saturday 20 January. The fleet departs Guangzhou back to Hong Kong on Monday, February 5.
Today, the start to the short 5th leg of the Ocean Race - only 100nm from Hong Kong direction West to Guangzhou CHN - will be given. Over the weekend, an InPort Race is on the program, followed by the relocation to Hong Kong, where the start to leg 6 heading for Auckland NZL will be given on February 7th.
One week before the start to leg 5, a very short race from Hong Kong HKG to Guangzhu CHN, two races were held. First in the race around Hong Kong was 'Mapfre' with Xavi Fernandez ESP ahead of 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA, The 
The Chinese double victory in leg 4 of the Ocean Race was overshadowed with the death of a fisherman after the collision between 'Vestas' and a fishing boat (we reported yesterday). One of the 10 fishermen was so badly injured that he died in the rescue helicopter on the way to the hospital. An investigation by the authorities is under way.
Yesterday evening UTC, Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag (David Witt AUS) crossed the finish line at her home port Hong Kong as expected as winner of leg 4 of the Ocean Race. 3 hours later, 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA, Franck Cammas FRA) followed, making for a Chinese double victory. Bad luck for the second place 'Vestas' (Peter Towhill USA), who had to retire 30 miles from the finish after a collision with a fishing boat. The 
Today in the late afternoon. 'Scallywag' with David Witt AUS will take the line honours of leg 4 in Hong Kong. Her most persistent pursuer 'Vestas' (John Towill USA) is currently in stealth mode, but in the prevailing conditions, the advantage of roughly 50nm will not deminish substantially. The fight will be for rank 2 between 'Vestas' and 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA, Franck Cammas FRA) 65nm behind. The positions in the second part of the fleet are unknown momentariyl as 'Turn the tide on plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) and 'Team Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) are currently invisible in stealth mode. The estimated time of arrival of the winner will be between 18h and 20h CET.
With 600nm left to the finish line of leg 4 in Hong Kong, the situation is heating up. Slackening and shifty winds as well as the busy commercial traffic will make the final approach tactically difficult. After 'Dongfeng', the leading 'Scallywag' as well as 'Vestas' switched to stealth mode yesterday and we shall not know before 13h UTC today, whether the positions of the leading boats have changed. However, Scallywag', leading with almost 100nm, but having lost speed, will most probably keep the first place and remain on a safe track to the line honours. In the fight for the overall lead 'Dongfeng' would have to win leg 4 to catch up with the 6-point deficit on 'Mapfre'. Expected time of arrival in Hong Kong is tomorrow afternoon. 
During the past 24h, the fleet was again making good progress in well-established trade winds, and the leading 'Scallywag', 87nm ahead of the immediate challengers, was only 1'000nm from the port of call this morning UTC. Provided that no incidents occur, the team of David Witt AUS will take the line honours at their home base in two days from now. It may well be that rank 2 will also go the a Chinese team, as 'Dongfeng' was only a few miles behind the second-ranked 'Vestas' on the 3rd place, and went into 'Stealth Mode' yesterday. We shall know during the day, whether the attack of Charles Caudrelier FRA (with Franck Cammas FRA) has been successful. The overall leader 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP) reduced her backlog somewhat, but remained on the 5th position. The team of Dee Caffari GBR keeps the 6th place. 
Yesterday, the fast ride continued towards the finish, with the 7 teams covering more than 500nm in 24 hours. The leading 'Scallywag' with David Witt was able to extend her lead to 74nm by this morning UTC. The second-ranked 'Vestas' (Mark Towill USA) had a 22nm lead on the 3rd 'Dongfeng' (Franck Cammas FRA). 1,500nm are still missing and the fleet is expected to arrive in Hong Kong on Friday. 
Is the die cast ? With 2'000nm to the port of call Hong Kong, the fleet racing at high speeds, has been stretched over quite some distance. 'Scallywag' with David Witt AUS sailing on a southern course is still taking advantage of better conditions and extended her lead on 67nm. The midfleet with 'Vestas', 'AkzoNobel' and 'Dongfeng' is sailing closely together, while the backmarker trio with the overall leader 'Mapfre' lost some more miles yesterday and is now over 150nm behind.
The 15-20kn trade winds are propelling the fleet at good speeds above 20kn direction Hong Kong. 'Scallywag' (David Witt AUS), the only boat sailing on a southern course, has taken the lead thanks to somewhat better conditions and was 15nm ahead of 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) and 'Dongfeng' (Franck Cammas FRA) this morning UTC. The backmarker trio with 'Mapfre' has lost some more miles yesterday, but eventually this morning, better conditions filled in allowing to race 6kn faster than the rest of the fleet. 
After crossing the Equator, the fleet reached the northern trade winds yesterday and has accelerated for the first time since long on speeds above 20kn. Now, it is a fast race direction West to the port of call Hong Kong. The trio having opted for an eastern route touched the fresh wind zone first and distanced the rest of the fleet somewhat except 'Scallywag' with David Witt AUS on an extreme western course that was only 0,6nm behind the leading 'Vestas' (Mark Towill USA) on rank 2 this morning UTC, neck and neck with 'Dongfeng' (Franck Cammas FRA). With a 1,6nm backlog, 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) is also part of the leading pack. The remaining teams, among them the overall leader 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP) are already 80 and more miles back.
The closely packed fleet crossed the Equator direction North during the past night, but the trade winds have not yet turned up. However, the weather maps are predicting fresh Eastwinds by this afternoon UTC to provide for a fast ride to the West direction Hong Kong. Some teams veered East to touch the wind as early as possible. It will be known soon whether this strategy will pay off. 
After almost 4 days in the 'furnace' of the Pacific Ocean with temperatures above 40°C and almost no wind, the closely packed fleet has touched the first light trade winds this morning UTC, accelerating for the first time since long on speeds above 10kn. 'Vestas' in the lead was 0,5nm in front of 'AkzoNobel'. 'Dongfeng' on 3rd was 3nm behind. 
The fleet is trailing in the almost windless Doldrums in very hot temperatures above 40°C with still about 24hrs over the Equator to the Northern trade winds, that will relaunch the race. Six teams are sailing closely together within 10nm with 'Turn the tide on Plastic' as leader. Even the backmarker 'Scallywag' is not far away 21nm behind. 
On day two in the Doldrums, the fleet was reshuffled several times in the past 24 hours. This morning UTC, 'Turn the tide on Plastic' with Dee Caffari GBR was in the lead as the most westerly boat of the fleet on a more direct course to the port of call. However, she will most probably touch the important northern trade winds after the bulk of the fleet. 'Dongfeng' (Franck Cammas FRA) and 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP), the leaders of the past days, dropped on the ranks 5 and 6 for the moment, but their backlog is only a few miles. 
The innertropical convergence zone - the Doldrums - decelerated the fleet even more yesterday. Passing the Salomon Islands, the only waypoint of the 4th has been reached. In very light winds of max. 5kn and the leading boats sailing at sight, the first four are positioned within 2nm, and the rest of the fleet is about to reduce the backlog more and more. The backmarker 'Scallywag' (David Witt AUS) was only 41nm behind this morning UTC. 'Dongfeng' (Franck Cammas FRA) was still on rank 1 but the advantage on 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP) was down on 0,5nm. 'Vestas' (Mark Towill USA) on 3rd followed 2nm back. In the coming 48hrs, the light winds will persist and posiition changes have to be expected. 
Approaching the innertropical convergence zone, the fleet has come together in the slackening winds. 'Dongfeng' with Franck Cammas FRA is still leading but only 0,5nm ahead of 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED), and 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP) on rank 3 is not far behind with a 2,5nm backlog. And so is 'Vestas' (Mark Towill USA) at 4nm from 'Dongfeng'. Position changes have to be expected for the coming days. 
With the breeze down on roughly 12kn, the fleet is heading North with 'Dongfeng' (Franck Cammas FRA) leading ahead of 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) and 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP) separated by 5nm only and the rest of the fleet is not far behind. The lull zones ahead in the next two days will stretch the fleet over longer distances.
The winds along the Australian Eastcoast have substantially slackened and the fleet is closer together again. 'Dongfeng' of Charles Caudrelier FRA with Franck Cammas FRA as tactician replacen the injured Pascal Bidégorry FRA) was still in the lead this morning UTC with a 2nm advantage on 'AkzoNobel' with Simeon Tienpont NED. 'Mapfre' of Xavi Fernandex ESP underway with a good VMG is up on rank 3, only 10nm behind the leader.
Rear winds are pushing the fleet North along the Australian Eastcoast at good speeds. 'Dongfeng' (with Charles Caudrelier FRA) in the lead, followed by 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED) and 'Turn the tide on plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR), are on a more Easterly route taking advantage of a current and distanced the rest of the fleet somewhat. At the Northeastern point of Australia, a tactically difficult light-wind zone will probably spread the fleet considerably. Interesting to follow up on our website anyhow !
On day two of the VOR 4th leg, the seven teams have already crossed the Bass Strait and are now sailing North along the Australian East Coast. In speeds above 20kn, 'AkzoNobel' with Simeon Tienpont NED has taken the lead ahead of 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) 4,7nm behind. 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP) on 3rd is 6nm back, but the gaps between all boats are still small.
Yesterday, the start to leg 4 of the Ocean Race from Melbourne to Hongkong 6'000nm away was given. Intitially in moderate winds, the fleet is sailing this morning UTC closely together in a 20kn breeze across Port Philipp (the bay of Melbourne). During the afternoon, the open sea will be reached and the boats will veer East direction Bass Strait. With the crossing of the Equator and the variable winds on the Chinese Sea, a tactically difficult leg lies ahead. 
Another substitute: Following an injury to 'Dongfeng Race Team' navigator Pascal Bidegorry FRA, the Chinese-flagged entry in the Volvo Ocean Race has called up Franck Cammas FRA, one of the stars of French sailing, for Leg 4 from Melbourne to Hong Kong. The 
Yesterday, 'AkzoNobel' with Simeon Tienpont NED arrived as 7th and last in Melbourne AUS, port of call of the Ocean Race leg 3. The Dutch team lost much mileage while executing repairs at the damaged mast after a failed gybe manoeuvre. The start to leg 4 will be given on January 2nd direction China, not much time left for the shore teams to control and refit the yachts after the stressy crossing of the Southern Oceans. 
Two more teams have reached Melbourne AUS in the meantime. With a 33hrs backlog on the winning 'Mapfre' arrived 'Scallywag' with David Witt AUS as 5th and 'Turn the tide on Plastic' with Dee Caffari GBR followed 2hrs later on the 6th place. 'AkzoNobel' with Simeon Tienpont NED, delayed after the repair of the detatched main sail track, is still underway. 
As expected, 'Mapfre' with Xavi Fernandez ESP finished first in leg 3 of the Ocean Race after 14 days and 4 hours for the 6'500nm from from Cape Town RSA to Melbourne AUS. With a 4 hours backlog, 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) handicapped with canting keel problems nevertheless saved rank 2 and moved up on the 2nd place overall as well. A mere hour later, 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) arrived in Melbourne as 3rd. 'Brunel' with Bouwe Bekking NED followed on the 4th position. The 3 teams left will finish the race in the night on tomorrow. 'Scallywag' with David Witt AUS was only 13nm ahead of 'Turn the tide on plastic' with Dee Caffari GBR this morning. 
125nm were left for 'Mapfre' with Xavi Fernandez ESP this morning, and the Spanish team will arrive this afternoon in Melbourne AUS. 'Dongfeng' of Charles Caudrelier FRA who duelled with 'Mapfre' over a very long distance reported technical problems with the canting keel and is now over 100nm behind. The fight for rank 2 has been launched therefore as 'Dongfeng', 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) and 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) are separated by 27nm only.
'Mapfre' with Xavi Fernandez ESP will reach Melbourne AUS as winner of leg 3 during the night on tomorrow Sunday UTC. The attack of 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) yesterday in Stealth Mode was not successful and the gap to the leading Spanish team grew on 88nm, hardly to compensate in the final 550nm. The 3rd-ranked 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA went into Stealth Mode yesterday and it will be revealed today, whether the 2nd place 'Dongfeng' will be in danger.
With 1'100nm left to Melbourne AUS where the leading duo is expected on the December 24th, 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP) and 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) remain in a close infight. 'Dongfeng' went into stealth mode and will be invisible for 24hrs. Did they outmanoeuver 'Mapre' ? We shall see during the day. 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA 125nm behind is out of the fight for first in Melbourne. 
As from this morning UTC, the fleet will be passing the line of longitude of Cape Leeuwin at the Southwest point of Australia, the second of the three Capes to be rounded on a round-the-world trip. From there on, roughly 1'500nm are left to the port of call Melbourne that will probably be reached on Xmas morning. In the neck and neck race on top of the fleet, 'Mapfre' with Xavi Fernandez ESP extended her lead on 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) slightly on 12nm. Victory of leg 3 will go to either one, as 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA on 3rd is now already 116nm behind. 
The seven teams progressed well on the South-Indian Ocean yesterday with average speeds above 20kn. During the night on today, 'Mapfre' with Xavi Fernandez ESP has reclaimed the lead but 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA is only 1,5nm back sailing at sight. 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA on rank 3 lost some distance and is now 95nm behind. With a 322nm backlog, 'Turn the tide on plastic' with Dee Caffari GBR is on the 6th position.
The windy conditions on the South-Indian Ocean still provide for high speeds and the leading duo seems to be somewhat faster as the rest of the fleet. The frontrunners 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) 'Mapfre' (Xabi Fernandez) have been racing practically neck and neck and there was even a port-starboard situation in the middle of nowhere on the 48th parallel South forcing 'Mapfre' to ease their masthead sail and arc up to avoid hitting 'Dongfeng' having taken the lead again with 6nm this morning UTC. On rank 3 with a 70nm backlog follows 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA). 'Brunel' (Bouwe Bekking NED) reduced her deficit on 20nm. 
The seven teams sailing on the South-Indian Ocean face the hardest conditions encountered so far with big swells and winds above 40kn providing for dashing surf-rides. The proximity to the defined Antarctic iceberg exclusion zone forces the teams to gybe almost hourly .... much work in icy temperatures ! In the night on today UTC, 'Mapfre' with Xavi Fernandez ESP has taken the lead, 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA follows only 5nm back. The rest of the fleet has slightly reduced the backlog on the leading duo. 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA on 3rd is now only 29nm behind, and the backmarker 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED), coming back after a repair slowdown, even shortened the deficict by over 100nm during the past 24hrs. Roughly 3'000nm are left to Melbourne AUS.
With the Iceberg Exclusion Zone moved North by VOR Race Management, the fleet is about to pass the Kerguelen Islands northwardly. The positions remained unchanged with 'Dongfeng' of Charles Caudrelier FRA leading 6nm ahead of 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP). 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) 60nm behind is on rank 3. Far back in the fleet 300nm behind the leader, 'AkzoNobel' with Simeon Tienpont NED resumed racing after the successful refix of the detatched track onto the mast. 
The 7 boats' fleet is about to approach the Kerguelen Islands in the South Indian Ocean this morning UTC. Drift-ice warnings prompted the Race Director to move the Exclusion Zone border up on roughly the 45th parallel. Fresh winds over 30kn have driven the teams at high speeds, more and more stretched over a longer distance. 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA extended her lead on 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP) slightly on 11nm. 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA on 3rd is already 65nm behind. 
On day 5 of leg 3, the fleet was challenged by the typical Roaring-Forty conditions with a 35-50kn wind and a 10 meter swell providing for top speeds but at the same time loading heavily on the boat and equipment. 'AkzoNobel' of Simeon Tienpont NED was forced to lower the main sail after a failed gybe as among other smaller damages, the track came off the mast. The 
The seven teams of the Ocean Race did reach the fresh Westwinds on the 38th parallel South and are now chasing East at high speeds above 20kn. 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA has taken the lead ahead of 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) 1,8nm behind on rank 2. The fast ride will continue for several days.
The Race goes on with the start to leg 3 tomorrow in Cape Town RSA. As usual, the tune-up was the InPort Race, held in a fresh 20kn wind off Cape Town. 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA took the lead in the second upwind and distanced the other 6 boats fiercly fighting for the remaining positions. Coming from behind, 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) finished on rank 2 and defended the interim's lead in the InPort rankings. 
With a 30hrs backlog, the backmarker trio with 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED), 'Scallywag' (David Witt) and 'Turn the tide on plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) arrived in Cape Town, port of call of the VOR leg 2, within 30min. The start to leg 3 across the Southern Ocean to Melbourne will be given in two weeks' time.
Yesterday afternoon just before 14h UTC, 'Mapfre' with Xavi Fernandez ESP arrived in Cape Town, port of call of leg 2, after 18 days and 23 hours as first. 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) followed 3 hours later as 2nd. 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) finished 4h30min later as 3rd. 'Mapfre' has taken the overall lead one point ahead of 'Vestas'. Just after midnight, 'Brunel' with Bouwe Bekking NED crossed the finish line in Cape Town. The remaining three teams that missed the fast train after a failed attack going deeper South have to sail the remaining 270nm across a light-wind zone and will arrive in the night on Sunday only. 
Late this afternoon, the Spanish 'Mapfre' with Xavi Fernandez ESP will take the line honours in Cape Town, as the 39nm advantage on the Chinese 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA will be sufficient to remain on top in the last 200nm left to the arrival. Only the last miles under the Table Mountain are tactically somewhat complicated. Behind 'Mapfre' follows 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA. The trio behind has lost contact with the rest of the fleet and will arrive with a considerable deficit in Cape Town. 
600nm - approx. 2 days - were left to Cape Town this morning for the leading 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP). The moderate Westwinds will probably carry the fleet to the port of call. 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA, backlog 25nm, and 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA, 30nm back, can still hope to finish as winner of leg 2. 'Brunel' with Bouwe Bekking NED however is probably too far behind with a 64nm deficit. 
The passage of the light-wind zone did not change the positions on top. 'Mapfre' of Xavi Fernandez ESP remained first 20nm ahead of 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA). Racing for victory in Cape Town with 1'000nm left are also 'Vestas' (27nm behind) and 'Brunel' (38nm). The remaining three teams are 130nm and more back without real chances for a top rank in leg 2. 
There is still a strategic barrier in the way to Cape Town roughly 1'500nm away for the seven teams. The lulls of a far stretched southeasterly arm of the the St-Helena anticyclone have to be crossed with the wind changing from Northwest to Southwest. 
The announced depression reached the seven boats' fleet yesterday and the teams rush at speeds above 20kn with winds from abeam direction Cape Town still 2'000nm away. The strategy of 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP) seems to be paying, as sailing on the most southern course, the backlog of 50nm yesterday was transformed in a 35nm lead by this morning UTC thanks to fresher winds and a better wind angle. 'Brunel' with Bouwe Bekking NED, 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA and 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA are only 15nm apart on the positions 2 to 4. With an 88nm backlog, 'Turn the Tide on Plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) on the last place is not too far away to finish on a top rank in Cape Town. 
The first three Open 60 reached Bahia BRA yesterday, as we reported. The next to arrive will be Boris Herrmann GER/Thomas Ruyant FRA. For Herrmann, representing Germany together with Isabelle Joschke and Jörg Riechers in the so far French dominated offshore/oceanic racing scene, this is the first important competition on an IMOCA Open 60.
The fleet has circumvented the flat St-Helena anticyclone and is now heading East direction Cape Town. 'AkzoNobel' with Simeon Tienpont NED on the most eastern course did not loose to much in the somewhat lighter winds and remains on top 28nm ahead of 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA). With a 50nm backlog follow 'Scallywag'(David Witt AUS), 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) and 'Turn the tide on Plastic' with Dee Caffari GBR all sailing neck and neck. 2'500nm are left to the port of call. 
The seven boat's fleet is split ! 'AkzoNobel' with Simeon Tienpont NED and 'Turn the Tide on Plastic' with Dee Caffari GBR opted for the easterly direct route to Cape Town and are now on the positions 1 and 3. But this is a risky way, as the St-Helena high with increasingly lighter winds is not far away. The rest of the fleet preferred to take the westerly deviation with 'Dongfeng' of Charles Caudrelier FRA leading and the backlog on the leader of 39nm will most probably be compensated today. 
The seven VOR teams are now about half-way of the leg 2 distance to Cape Town off the Brazilian coast. The moderate southern trade winds push the boats at high speeds from 15 to 20kn.
The closely packed fleet is sailing down South at speeds around 17kn along the Brazilian coast. 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) is still leading 1,6nm ahead of 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP). Even the backmarker 'Scallywag' (David Witt AUS) with a 57nm backlog has still an option to finish first in Cape Town. The coming 24h are important for the strategy to follow. With the St-Helena anticyclone compressed by a depression vortex in the South, their is an option to head straight for Cape Town, as did François Gabart successfuilly in his record ride two days ago. It might well be, that one or the other teams goes into stealth mode to leave the opponents in doubt about the decision made. 
The fleet has accelerated in the southern trade winds, still lead by 'Dongfeng' with Charle Caudrelier FRA, 5,5nm ahead of 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP), and reached the Brazilian coast during the past night. The normally disturbing St-Helena anticyclone is less extended as usual and most probably, the teams will decide to veer East direction Cape Town soon. 
The seven teams finished the Doldrum passage yesterday without the usual speed differences and contrary to the expectactions, the teams reached the southern trade winds almost at the same moment. The distances between the boats remained small and quite stable. 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP) was only 1,5nm behind the leading 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) this morning. The backmarker 'Scallywag' mit David Witt AUS had a backlog of 58nm. The next obstacle is the St-Helena anticyclone in the middle of the South Atlantic. 
After a race week, the seven teams are approaching the Equator. The 
With now all boats on practically the same heading, the drag race down South went on yesterday. The leading 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA was the first to touch lighter winds and the six following boats reduced all the backlog on the leader. 'Mapfre' with Xavi Fernandez ESP on 2nd is 5nm back, another half-mile behind is 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA on 3rd. In two days, the fleet will enter the innertropical convergence zone with its unpredictable wind pattern with lulls and thunderstorms that will most probably have a major influence on the positions. 
Even after 5 race days, the leading teams are practically sailing at sight. 'Dongfeng' (Charles Caudrelier FRA) on the first position is only 6,5nm ahead of the 4th-placed 'AkzoNobel' (Simeon Tienpont NED). 'Mapfre' (Xavi Fernandez ESP) and 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) are on the ranks 2 and 3. As first team, 'Turn the tide on plastic' (Dee Caffari GBR) decided yesterday evening to go in 'Stealth Mode', i.e. to remain invisible for opponents and the public during 24 hours. What will the surprise of the backmarker be in the approach to the Doldrums ?
The four leading boats are in a tight group on their way South, constantly changing positions. Yesterday, it was 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA grasping the lead with a clever gybe. This morning, it is 'Dongfeng' of Charles Caudrelier FRA reclaiming the first position with a 15nm advantage on 'Vestas' on 2nd. 'Akzo Nobel' with Simeon Tienpont NED follows on rank 3 with an 18nm deficit. 
The fleet continues the fast ride South in moderate trade winds aroud 20kn, a spectacular but also very wet affair ..... see the 
The start to the 7'000nm leg 2 of the Ocean Race down South the Atlantic to Cape Town was given in Lisbon yesterday in fresh winds of up to 25kn. Here the 
After the spectacular InPort Race of Friday, the start to leg 2 of the Ocean Race will be given today in Lisbon at 14h UTC, leading over 7'000 nm South over the Equator to Cape Town. Contrary to previous editions, the island Fernando de Noronha, about 170 nm off the coast of Brazil has not to be rounded, allowing now various strategic options to the teams. Will the direct way along the African coast be faster as the longer course along the Brazilian coast ? Anyhow, this leg will have a major impact on the overall classifications, lead by 'Vestas' of Charlie Enright USA. 
Today, the Ocean Race continues with the Lisbon InPort race and considering the announced 10-15 kn wind and the narrow race area, racing will definitely be close and entertaining for the spectators. 'Mapfre' of Xabi Fernández , the winner of the first race in Alicante, is again the favorite in today's competition. 
Light winds and a counter current off Lisbon made the last miles of the first Volvo Ocean Race leg nerve-jangling. The considerable advantage of 'Vestas' of Charlie Enright USA when entering the Tejo mouth melted down to 10 miles at the end. 'Mapfre' with Javi Fernandez ESP on rank 2 crossed the finish line 2h 30min later, only 15min ahead of 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA as 3rd who came up strongly in the final phase of the race. 
'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA had only 83 nm left to Lisbon this morning and with an advantage of 32 nm on 'Mapfre' of Javi Fernandez ESP, she is on a solid track to win leg 1 of the VOR. The persuer duo - 'Dongfeng' has passed 'AkzoNobel' in the meantime - is over 50 nm back. As planned the seven boats will arrive today Saturday in Lisbon welcomed by a huge crowd. 
Yesterday, the seven teams rounded Porto Santo Island (Madeira) as well as the virtual waypoint 200 nm North in a somewhat fresher Southeasterly. 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) reduced the distance on the leading 'Vestas' (Charlie Enright USA) on 10 nm, but this morning, their backlog increased again on over 30 nm. During the coming 20 hours, a speed race in reaching winds will drive the fleet rapidly direction Lisbon where a light wind zone in the approach to the port of call will slow down the boats again. 
The fleet is progressing well in a moderate 15 kn wind direction Porto Santo, a small island off Madeira POR, the most western waypoint on the way to Lisbon. In order to hold the plan for a Saturday arrival, the Race Office has decided to increase the course by 200 miles adding a virtual waypoint North of Porto Santo, before veering East to Lisbon. 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA is still leading 14 nm ahead of 'Mapfre' with Javi Fernandez ESP and 1 nm back 'AkzoNobel' with Simon Tienpont NED. Another 12 nm behind followed the rest of the fleet. 
On their way West direction Madeira the seven boats have reached an almost windless zone compressing the fleet. But this morning, the most southern yacht, the leading 'Vestas' of Charlie Enright USA, has touched fresher winds as first and is actually twice as fast as the rest of the fleet. The advantage of 18 miles on 'Mapfre' (Javi Fernandez ESP) will definitely grow during the day. On the 3rd place 5 miles behind 'Mapfre' sails 'AkzoNobel' of Simon Tienpont NED 50 miles in front of the other VOR65s. 
'Vestas' of Charlie Enright USA passed the Gibraltar Strait yesterday with a remarkable 23 nm advantage. Heading for Madeira, the distance to the 2nd-ranked 'Mapfre' was down to 13 nm this morning at press deadline. With this detour, the arrival date in Lissabon should be on the coming weekend to have the best possible spectator attention. 
The start to the Volvo Ocean Race was given yesterday in sun and an up to 20 kn wind and two rounds around the buoys off Alicante with intensive manoeuvres and near-collisions were spectacular for the big crowd watching. Here the 
Today is the day for the seven teams as - after the Prologue a week ago and the different tune-ups - the start to the Volvo Ocean Race will be given in Alicante ESP this afternoon at 14h CET, probably in 
Three-time Volvo Ocean Race winner Brad Jackson has been announced as skipper of the Dutch VOR entry team 'AkzoNobel' for the 2017-18 edition of the 83,000-kilometer around the world race, replacing the fired Simeon Tienpont NED. The forty-nine-year-old from Auckland, New Zealand is competing in his seventh Volvo Ocean Race after coaching the Swedish all-women entry Team SCA in the 2014-15 edition. In his earliest round-the-world days, he was a crew member on Pierre Fehlmann's 'Merit Cup', 2nd-ranked in the Whitbread Race 1997/8.
Moderate winds of up to 8 kn prevailed yesterday at the first In-Port Race of the 2018 Ocean Race in Alicante. Going right on the first upwind was the way to go and 'Mapfre' with Javi Fernandez ESP booked a start-to-finish victory clearly ahead of 'Dongfeng' with Charles Caudrelier FRA and 'Vestas' with Charlie Enright USA. 
The VOR65 Ocean Race begins today in Alicante with the first In-Port Races, to follow on livestream on this website beginning at 13h UTC. In a week's time, the start will be given to the first leg to Lisbon POR. 
The Prologue of the Volvo Ocean Race - not counting for the overall rankings - ended yesterday morning in Alicante ESP. 'Mapfre' with Javi Fernandez ESP defended her lead and finished 15min ahead of 'Brunel' with Bouwe Bekking NED. 
Light winds still prevailed on the western Mediterranean Sea yesterday and the 7 Volvo Ocean Race teams advanced tediously only. A front from the West is supposed to fill in today to speed up the race and an arrival late today is still possible. 'Mapre' of Javi Fernandez ESP is still in the lead 7 nm ahead of 'Brunel' with Bouwe Bekking NED.
