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Volvo Ocean Race: Vestas 11th Hour Racing leaves Falklands

by Sail-World.com.nz 7 Apr 2018 22:50 PDT
Vestas 11th Hour Racing leaves Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands for an 8-10 day voyage heading for Itajai © Jeremie Lecaudey / Volvo Ocean Rac

Vestas 11th Hour Racing has advised on social media that they have left the Falklands under jury rig and motor to try and make the start line in Itajai, Brazil, for the start of Leg 8.

The Leg to Newport gets underway on April 22 leaving 12 days to complete the 1800nm voyage and fit a new mast and boom, plus repair sails.

On their Facebook page the team writes:

"The blue boat is now on it’s way to Brazil! Thanks to the incredible people of the Falkland Islands for their help and support on our unexpected adventure. Our race crew is now safely in Itajaí, and the delivery crew has begun the journey north onboard our VO65 yacht outfitted with a jury rig."

She departed from the Falklands with a temporary mast (sourced on the Falklands after the racing rig had to be ditched at sea for safety reasons) to help stabilize the boat and provide support for the 1500 mile motor to Itajai. The journey should take 8-10 days. That gets her into Itajai around April 18, four days before the start of Leg 8 to Newport RI.

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