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

Could the decline of Linear TV benefit sailing?
The rise of YouTube has changed how we watch sport I really enjoyed the highlights of SailGP this season. When there's wind it is exciting racing with some of the best sailors on the planet battling it out on identical boats. The problem was, I didn't watch any of it live.
Posted on 9 Dec Marks-Dasent named Sylvester Simmons Young Sailor
Winning the award for the second time The Sylvester Simmons Foundation proudly announces that Kai Marks-Dasent has been awarded the 2025 Sylvester Simmons Young Sailor of the Year, marking his second time receiving this distinguished honor.
Posted on 9 Dec Olympic gold medal-winning duo to reunite
On board Emirates GBR SailGP Team F50 for 2026 SailGP Season 5 Champions, Emirates GBR, has announced its new signing for the 2026 season, reuniting an Olympic gold medal-winning partnership for the first time in five years.
Posted on 9 Dec Sailing in Paradise - escape the winter blues!
Thailand's stunning Royal Varuna Yacht Club offers incredible sailing throughout the year During the winter months in the northern hemisphere, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club can give visiting sailors some of the best warm water sailing available and the club welcomes guests from around the world.
Posted on 9 Dec Iain Jensen returns home
BONDS Flying Roos reveal all-Australian team line-up for SailGP season The BONDS Flying Roos have today revealed an all-new, all-Australian crew line-up ahead of the 2026 SailGP season, headlined by the return of Australian Olympic gold medallist Iain 'Goobs' Jensen.
Posted on 9 Dec World Sailing Inclusion Championships overall
Final day drama decides medals at Mussanah, Oman The last day of the inaugural World Sailing Inclusion Championships, hosted by the Sultanate of Oman and organised by Oman Sail, brought the event to a close with dramatic racing, jubilation and a sense of triumph amongst all participants.
Posted on 9 Dec Globe40 Leg 3 Update
Credit Mutuel takes the lead at the Bass Strait Today, Tuesday 9th December, Ian Lipinski and Amélie Grassi, aboard CREDIT MUTUEL, will be at the head of stage 3 of the GLOBE40 at the entrance to the Bass Strait at the end of the day (around 07.00 UTC).
Posted on 9 Dec Australian Maxi Championship overall
A pair of heavy hitters have ratcheted up the pressure on their rivals A pair of heavy hitters have ratcheted up the pressure on their rivals ahead of this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race with resounding victories in the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on a picturesque Sydney Harbour today.
Posted on 9 Dec Evolution of Vaikobi's PFD for action Wind Sports
If you're a sailor, foiler or wind frother, you are not going to want to miss new Vaikobi VXS PFD A New evolution of our popular VX Wind Sports PFD… The NEW VXS has been seriously upgraded, ready to perform for your next day on the water.
Posted on 8 Dec From stocking fillers to push the boat out gifts
Our pick of this year's top sailing gifts Whether you're looking for affordable stocking fillers or splashing out on the latest sailing kit, here are this year's gift ideas for the sailors in your life.
Posted on 8 Dec