Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing were leading the way in the Volvo Ocean Race on Monday as second-placed Dongfeng Race Team suffered significant damage after part of the control lines for the masthead gennaker sail broke.
However, the Chinese boat continues to challenge for Leg 1 victory in the round-the-world race after pulling off a rapid repair job.
On Monday, Team Alvimedica were lying in fifth spot, 142.1 nautical miles adrift of the lead, with MAPFRE 308.nm behind and Team SCA in seventh, trailing Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing by 442.6nm.
The setback for Dongfeng happened on Sunday when part of the sheeting system snapped and the high loads held in that line were released across the leeward deck. There were no injuries but damage to the boat included a broken wheel which will handicap Charles Caudrelier’s crew when they gybe, the push pit (the protective bars at the back of the boat), aft stanchions (the posts on the side of the boat at the back) and a satellite antenna.
Since the boat is loaded with communication kit, the latter issue should not be a major handicap.
The team lost about five miles during the half an hour it took to get the sail under control, assess the damage, and get back to full speed.
During that time, the boat speed dropped to around 12 knots rather than the 22 knots the fleet have been powering along at.
Mark Turner, who heads up OC Sports which is managing the Dongfeng Race Team’s campaign, commented: “The rest of the night, while wet, cold and fast, passed well for our guys and they have maintained second place this morning just eight miles from [leaders] Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing at sunrise, having retaken a few of the miles lost.”
Ian Walker’s Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, Dongfeng and third-placed Team Brunel are steaming along at an average of more than 25 knots in the icy Southern Ocean wind. Just 34 nautical miles separate the first three boats.
They are approaching 750 nautical miles to go before the welcoming sights of Table Mountain, one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, and Cape Town finally pass into view after a dramatic opening leg of racing.
Dongfeng Race Team will be particularly relieved to see the port after bouncing back from a broken rudder earlier in the leg plus this latest setback. The current estimated date for arrival in Cape Town is Thursday.
