Volvo Ocean Race - Three lead changes during night

by Volvo Ocean Race on 20 May 2015 Volvo Ocean Race Leg 7 Newport to Lisbon. There have been three lead changes in the last 12 hours. It’s been an intense night as promised caused by very unstable winds and some of the boats got caught on wind holes.

First, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing stole the top spot from MAPFRE who was leading by 1900 UTC. But by the 0100 UTC position report, both the Emiratis and the Dutch were tied in distance to the mark. Team Brunel had gained 0.6 nautical mile and was just half of a mile to leeward of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.

In the latest sched, Bouwe Bekking’s crew is just 0.5nm ahead of Ian Walker and his men.

In this North Atlantic match racing, all is measured against the small gains or losses made, and the differences in performance are just a consequence of the sail set up on each boat and how the crews adapt to the unstable breeze.

With no tactical options ahead to breakthrough, the fleet just needs to play the current of the Gulf Stream. They are currently rounding a small low-pressure system. Later today they will transition into a southwest breeze.

“If you go outside the Gulf Stream, you are out of the game,” says Dongfeng’s Charles Caudrelier.

Team Alvimedica had lost 4nm between 2200 and 0100 UTC, but has recovered 2.6nm in this last sched. The six boats are within 4nm.