Volvo Ocean Race- Puma's lead collapses as the fleet turn corner

by Richard Gladwell on 29 Apr 2012

Volvo Ocean Race positions, Leg 6 at 1122hrs on 29 April: Predictwind shows Puma making an early move for Florida, and staying between her competition and the finish. Camper (White) and Telefonica (Aqua). PredictWind.com www.predictwind.com

The lead of over an hour enjoyed by Puma Ocean Racing for the majority of Leg 6 of the Volvo Ocean Race, seems to have collapsed as they turn the corner of South America.

From the positions relayed at 0038hrs on 29 April UTC, the Volvo Ocean Race Tracker, using an instant position system, reports that Puma now has a lead of just 4nm over Camper sailed by Emirates Team NZ, with Telefonica 10nm back.

That view is reinforced by www.predictwind.com!Predictwind.com using its routing function, which shows that Puma is about 35 minutes ahead over a seven day period heading to a virtual waypoint off the Dominican Republic. Telefonica is another 20 minutes astern.

Predictwind also shows that the race to Florida will be punctuated with several course options, rather than the more direct follow the leader approach predicted a day or so ago.

But at the next sked at 0400hrs on 29 April UTC
And at the 1122hrs sked, Puma had elected to break for Miami, which the other two front runners, Camper and Telefonica, who seemed to be almost side by side, were still continuing to stand out into the Atlantic..

On the latest predicted finish times from the routing function of www.predictwind.com!Predictwind.com, there was little on the race - based on a calculated finish time in 10 days, with Puma, leading Telefonica and Camper by just 30minutes.

Volvo Ocean Race positions, Leg 6 at 1122hrs on 29 April: Predictwind shows the boats playing follow the leader, for much of the route, but some different options come into play as the boats near the finish. © PredictWind.com www.predictwind.com

Predictwind shows Puma has a battle with Camper (White) and Telefonica (Aqua), as the exit the South America coast. Previously Puma had been clear ahead of Camper, by an hour, and Camper was previously in a direct line astern of the US entry. © PredictWind.com www.predictwind.com

Volvo Ocean Race positions, Leg 6 at 0400hrs on 29 April: Predictwind shows Puma making an early move for Florida, and staying between her competition and the finish. Camper (White) and Telefonica (Aqua). © PredictWind.com www.predictwind.com

If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/96645

Related Articles

The Gear LawConnect and Comanche Trust Offshore
Offshore yacht racing demands absolute confidence in equipment Offshore yacht racing demands absolute confidence in equipment. With long hours on deck, crews face constant exposure, changing conditions and sustained physical pressure. Every layer of gear must perform seamlessly, without compromise.
Posted today at 4:00 am RS Fest 2026 Heads West
Richmond Yacht Club to host North America's Multi-Class RS Regatta RS Sailing is delighted to announce its flagship North American multi-class regatta, RS Fest 2026, is heading west to the iconic waters of San Francisco Bay!
Posted on 23 Dec A Guide to Night Sailing
Henri-Lloyd's Ambassador Andreas B. Heide knows this environment intimately Henri-Lloyd's Ambassador Andreas B. Heide knows this environment intimately. A professional sailor, marine biologist and found of the expedition vessel S.V. Barba, Andreas has experience that stretches from polar waters to offshore passages.
Posted on 23 Dec Francesca Clapcich's 2025: Built on miles & belief
Only a few days before the end of the year and it's time for some reflection I am not going to share sailing stats, racing updates, or performance KPIs but an open letter for people to take and bring closer to their heart and find some introspection.
Posted on 23 Dec 2026 Fireball Worlds - You can now enter!
Entries made up to 30th April 2026 are eligible for the Early Bird entry fee The Notice of Race has been published on the Official Notice Board of the event website and entries are now being accepted. Entries made up to 30th April 2026 are eligible for the Early Bird entry fee.
Posted on 23 Dec Charlie Dalin wins 2025 Magnus Olsson Prize
In recognition of his extraordinary impact on the sport of sailing The Magnus Olsson Foundation has named French offshore sailing sensation Charlie Dalin as the recipient of the 2025 Magnus "Mange" Olsson Prize, in recognition of his extraordinary impact on the sport of sailing.
Posted on 23 Dec America's Cup: Oakely Capital backs Brits
Athena Racing today has secured a majority ownership investment from Oakley Capital. Athena Racing today announced a landmark new chapter in its ambition to win the America's Cup for Britain, securing a majority ownership investment from Oakley Capital.
Posted on 23 Dec Parade of Sail to set 80th Sydney Hobart scene
In recognition of the founding fathers of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race In recognition of the founding fathers of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, a Parade of Sail will precede the start of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's 80th edition of the race on Boxing Day.
Posted on 23 Dec Turning a top Volvo 70 into a 'Ratings Bandit'
A look at how a turbo-charged Volvo 70 can achieve significant rating gains Since yachts first raced, getting a favorable rating for your race-boat has been an indulgence, verging on obsession, for many owners, designers, and crew. Here Philippe Oulhen of the Juan K Design office explains how they do it on a Volvo 70.
Posted on 22 Dec 49th Palamós Christmas Race overall
Spanish, British and Dutch emerge as the big winners The 49th Palamós Christmas Race came to an epic conclusion on a final day marked by demanding conditions of wind, rain and cold, closing an edition that will long be remembered.
Posted on 22 Dec