Volvo Ocean Race Update

The Volvo Ocean Race grind continues with Leg 6  from Itajaí, Brazil, to Miami, a run north to trade winds and sunshine. “It looks like we might get some downwind sailing out of Itajaí, we might get some nice trade wind sailing, and maybe some consistent wave patterns," said a hopeful Kenny Read, skipper of Puma. Right now the boats are trying to negotiate a light wind section before hitting the trades and faster boat speed.

Although Team Telefónica is leading overall by sixteen points, the fleet have only raced about 70% of the total distance and there are plenty of opportunities for the other teams to catch up. At one time early in the race and on previous legs, it looked like Telefónica was going to be unbeatable with great boat handling. But they had a hiccup in the in-port race in Itajaí, going around the wrong leeward mark, which caused the team to finish last and lose precious points. “I am very disappointed because this is the first time in my whole life that this has happened," lamented skipper Iker Martinez back at the dock. Really? We amateurs seem to do that often.