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Volvo Ocean Race- Dongfeng release first DroneCam video from Leg 3

by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World.com on 27 Jan 2015
January, 2015. Leg 3 onboard Dongfeng Race Team. J Sam Greenfield / Volvo Ocean Race
Winner of Leg 3 of the Volvo Ocean Race, Dongfeng, have released footage taken from a drone launched from the Volvo Ocean Race yacht, as she sails in light airs on the last days of Leg 3 of the race.

It is believed to be the first time a drone, launched from a competitor, has been used in a major ocean race.

Although taken in light airs (with Dongfeng making good speed to windward or close reaching), the drone checks out a nearby ship, before giving an aerial tour of of Dongfeng.

Dongfeng skipper Charles Caudrelier wrote in his blog on the penultimate day of racing in Leg 3: 'Even if we crossed the shipping crossroads of the world off Singapore, we hadn’t passed close to a Maersk Line ship, one of our partners. Two hours ago a blue container ship passed just behind us, obviously a Maersk!'

'Sam our media man launched his drone, and we have some amazing images of Dongfeng and this ship together from off the boat. These drones are just fantastic.'

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