Yesterday, the brave New Zealanders were finally able to draw the line under this disastrous 5th leg in practically zero wind. With a defective boat and thousands of extra miles on the log, which they had to cover before and after the repair stop in the Chilean harbour of Puerto Montt, they picked up 15 well-deserved points yesterday. This puts them third in the overall standings, 28 points behind leaders Telefonica, eight points behind Groupama and six ahead of Puma.
However, the break is not long, as the in-port race continues on Saturday. "Time enough to prepare and get the most important work done," commented co-skipper Stu Bannatyne dryly. The damaged Abu Dhabi, which also had to dock in Puerto Montt, is due to arrive in Itajai by freighter today. Two large delaminated hull sections have to be replaced, which is estimated to take 72 hours. Nobody dares to predict whether this will be enough time for the in-port race.
Yesterday it was also announced that Iker Martinez, skipper of Telefonica, and Xabi Fernandez, his congenial colleague, will represent Spain in the 49er at the Olympic regattas off Weymouth. The 2004 Olympic champions and 2008 silver medallists therefore have a contrasting programme ahead of them. But for the time being, they are both focussing on winning the Volvo Ocean Race.
Also in the Telefonica matter: The protest against the Spaniards because of the sails they carried on the fourth leg from China to New Zealand will be dealt with by the international jury today.
Fifth stage from Auckland, NZL to Itajai, Brazil (approx. 6,700 miles)
1st Puma Ocean Racing (USA), Ken Read (USA), Apr 6, 19t 18h 09m 50s
2nd Telefonica (ESP), Iker Martinez (ESP), Apr 6, 19t 18h 22m 28s
3rd Groupama 4 (FRA), Frank Cammas (FRA), Apr 10, 23t 12h 58m 44s
4th Camper (NZL), Chris Nicholson (AUS), Apr 17, 30t 11h 35m 43s
- Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (UAE), Ian Walker (GBR), DNF
- Team Sanya (CHN), Mike Sanderson (NZL), DNF
Overall standings after five stages
1st Telefonica (ESP), Iker Martinez (ESP), 147 points
2. Groupama 4 (FRA), Frank Cammas (FRA), 127
3rd Camper (NZL), Chris Nicholson (AUS), 119
4th Puma Ocean Racing (USA), Ken Read (USA), 113
5th Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (UAE), Ian Walker (GBR), 55
6th Team Sanya (CHN), Mike Sanderson (NZL), 25
