Volvo Ocean Race - Brasil 1 leads at first gate

by Volvo/Sacha Oswald on 3 Jun 2006 As the six boats headed off the dock and out to Southsea castle for the start, each team laid a wreath in the water in memory of ABN AMRO TWO sailor Hans Horrevoets, who passed away on the previous leg.

In brilliant sunshine and a gentle breeze the Volvo Open 70’s got off to a spectacular start with Brunel, skippered by Englishman Matt Humphries, breaking the line first followed immediately by Sebastien Josse’s ABN AMRO TWO and five times Olympic medallist Torben Grael skippering Brasil 1.

The Solent was always going to prove a challenge for the teams as it is renowned for throwing up a mixture of conditions and today it didn’t disappoint, providing very fickle and tricky winds.

Within twenty minutes of the start, the breeze dropped to 5 knots as the teams navigated their way through the huge number of spectator craft that lined the race track.

As the breeze dropped, both of the ABN AMRO boats began to slow, providing an opportunity for the Farr designed boats to excel. Paul Cayard’s Pirates of the Caribbean managed to maintain speed to push through the fleet into the lead followed by Brasil 1 and Ericsson skippered by local Hamble sailor Neal McDonald.

As the fleet headed towards the gate at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, they were met by a second wave of spectator boats from the mainland sailing port of Hamble and from Cowes marina.

Torben Grael, renowned for his expertise in light conditions, was the first boat through the Cowes gate, followed by Pirates of the Caribbean and Ericsson. ABN AMRO TWO led sistership ABN AMRO ONE (Mike Sanderson/NZ) through the gate with Brunel bringing up the rear.

As the fleet continued through The Solent, flanked by an armada of spectator craft, the wind continued to challenge the teams. Brasil 1 maintained the lead as they headed towards The Needles at the start of the 1,500 nautical mile journey round Britain and Ireland to the penultimate Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06 stopover port of Rotterdam.

The Volvo Open 70’s are expected to take approximately five days to reach Rotterdam and with the points close for second and third place, the race on this leg will be tight between The Pirates, Brasil 1 and ABN AMRO TWO.

Current Leaderboard: [position/team name/skipper/race points to date]

1st ABN AMRO ONE, Mike Sanderson (NZL) 84.5 pts
2nd Pirates of the Caribbean, Paul Cayard (USA) 59.5 pts
3rd Brasil 1, Torben Grael (BRA) 52.0 pts
4th ABN AMRO TWO, Sebastien Josse (FRA) 48.5 pts
5th movistar, Bouwe Bekking (NED) 48.0 pts
6th Ericsson Racing Team, Neal McDonald (GBR) 45.0 pts
7th Brunel, Grant Wharington (AUS)/Matt Humphries (GBR) 8.0 pts

Follow the excitement of leg eight at www.volvooceanrace.org.