For once, the seven-strong Volvo fleet is heading straight towards the scoring gate at Fernando de Noronha at speeds that feel fast, at least when compared with the drifting conditions and horrible rolling swell of the first 36 hours. The fleet has reached the southeast trade winds and speeds are up to a staggering 14 knots. ‘Fourteen knots seems like potential passing out/nose bleed speed, similar to the first few days that Stephenson’s ‘Rocket’ hit the track,’’ says Ericsson 4’s MCM Guy Salter.
Telefónica Blue has pulled out a healthy lead of 13 nautical miles, but tracking her is Delta Lloyd in second place, and this team is on fire. Their strategy was to split leg six up and tackle it as several different races. Race one, from Rio de Janeiro to Cape Frio – is now accomplished, and now … Details