Just in time for the transatlantic leg, which brings the Volvo Ocean Race back to Europe after more than seven months, Alberto, the first hurricane of the still young hurricane season, is drifting towards the US East Coast. With peak winds of 45 to 50 knots in the centre, it is an entry-level hurricane, but even that has to be ridden off first with a Volvo Open 70. So after the rather cosy section from Brazil to Florida in terms of wind, there's weather stress again.
After yesterday's start to the final long leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011/12, Groupama is leading the fleet in the Gulf Stream, which is rapidly moving the boats northwards towards Alberto. Close behind is Telefonica, which leads the overall standings, ahead of Puma and Camper. Abu Dhabi, which won the In-Port Race on Saturday, and Sanya, which is back in the race after a long break due to repairs, were left behind. The stage finish is Lisbon.
In the overall standings, the top four teams are all very close together. From Telefonica at the top to Groupama and Camper to Puma in fourth place, the gap is just 14 points.
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Start of the 7th stage
