Dongfeng Race Team leaves the Malacca Strait and enters the Singapore Strait in first place, some 80nm ahead of nearest competitor Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.

The Malacca Strait has a history in the Volvo Ocean Race of taking from the rich and giving to the poor. But for Dongfeng Race Team, entering the Strait three days ago in the lead, have officially survived the 600nm transit, today clearing the final hurdle of Singapore and now stretching their legs in the South China Sea.
 
All that is left is 1000 nm upwind. Yee-Haw!
 
As for the bulk of the pack, they remain as close as day one. “The bungee holding the fleet together is strong,” reported Amory Ross on Alvimedica, “strong enough that every time someone sails away the process reverses within the first hour or two.”
 
The fleet exists the Singapore Strait in a northeasterly, not far from the direction of the finish in Sanya. As they extend on port tack, their next challenge will be to choose their routing for the South China Sea.
 
“Our eyes feel heavy, we are soaked in sweat, the heat really wears us out, and the stress and pressure from the other boats won’t give us any rest,” reports Francisco Vignale on MAPRE.
 
Two main options exist – one, heading up the Malaysian shore line through the Pulau Tioman Islands, or two, through the Kepulanuan Anambas Islands and Raiu Islands spread between Malaysia and Indonesia at the narrowest point.
 
With Donfeng’s lead now appearing unassailable, the race for second is on!
 
Leg 3 (4,642 nm) Position Report (as of 21:55 UTC)
1. Dongfeng Race Team, Charles Caudrelier (FRA), 1048.8 nm Distance to Finish
2. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, Ian Walker (GBR), 68.0 nm Distance to Lead
3. Team Brunel, Bouwe Bekking (NED), 70.7 nm DTL
4. Team Alvimedica, Charlie Enright (USA), 71.0 nm DTL
5. MAPFRE, Iker Martinez (ESP), 71.7 nm DTL
6. Team SCA, Sam Davies (GBR), 149.6 DTL
7. Team Vestas Wind, Chris Nicholson (AUS), Did not start
 
SOURCE: sailingscuttlebutt.com
   
Editorial Message
This site contains materials from other clearly stated media sources for the purpose of discussion stimulation and content enrichment among our members only.
whatsonsanya.com does not necessarily endorse their views or the accuracy of their content. For copyright infringement issues please contact editor@whatsonsanya.com