Volvo Ocean Race - Decision time for Newport bound fleet
by Volvo Ocean Race on 3 May 2015
Leg 6 to Newport onboard Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. Day 11. Adil Khalid looks out over the horizon for signs of Dongfeng. Matt Knighton/Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing
2014 - 15 Volvo Ocean Race - After being lifted all morning, it was Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Team Brunel who gybed first away from the mid Atlantic high at 1630 UTC.
Dongfeng Race Team were next to go around an hour later, cementing their lead of the top three boats as they all head out west north west back into the Bohemian shore line.
Team Alvimedica and Mapfre were next to go, falling in just behind the pack, four nautical miles (nm) apart leaving them 10nm behind Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and 13-15nm behind leaders Dongfeng Race Team.
Team SCA were the last to gybe and have used good numbers to turn back north, gaining another 5nm on the fleet.
Time will tell if their positioning to the east will pay against the fleet, but for sure the women’s team don’t look to be heading west for the Gulf Stream.
After seeing the fleet lift into the high pressure, it is surprising to see the pack not get headed as they sail out of it, however.
Looking at the latest stats, there is a decaying front, which the best course through looks like dead ahead.
As the fleet approaches the front this afternoon, they will go from a south westerly to a north westerly transitioning on to a beat again for the next few days.
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/133975
