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Photo: Stefan Coppers / Team Brunel / Volvo Ocean Race |
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Photo: Francisco Vignale / MAPFRE / Volvo Ocean Race |
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Photo: Yann Riou / Dongfeng Race Team / Volvo Ocean Race |
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Photo: Anna-Lena Elled / Team SCA / Volvo Ocean Race |
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Photo: Matt Knighton / Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing / Volvo Ocean Race |
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Photo: Amory Ross / Team Alvimedica / Volvo Ocean Race |
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Photo: Ian Roman/Volvo Ocean Race |
However, if the current positions stay the same on this stage, they will cut that deficit by four points and leave the Dutch with a mathematical chance, at least, of catching the Emiratis in the last two legs to Lorient and Gothenburg, the latter via a pit-stop in The Hague.
Certainly, the mood on board Team Brunel early on Tuesday was buoyant, but totally focused on the finishing line.
Their closest pursuers, MAPFRE, however, are equally determined to snatch their second leg victory following their triumph in the fourth stage from Sanya, China, to Auckland, New Zealand.
MAPFRE’S skipper Iker Martínez, the joint 2004 Olympic 49er champion with co-skipper Xabi Fernández (ESP), wrote: “Even with Team Brunel enjoying a very good advantage, the winner will not be decided until we cross the finish line. That being said, the three top boats are also in a very, very good position with regards to the rest.
“We are now focusing our energy on making the right decision as to where to cross the Traffic Separation Scheme ahead, and sailing as fast as possible as to keep up with Dongfeng and Team Brunel, and ahead of the chasing boats.”
The boat's finish in Lisbon is to coincide with the arrival there of the rebuilt Team Vestas Wind (Chris Nicholson/AUS), which is expected to reach the city in the early hours of the morning via ship and road following a journey from Bergamo, Italy.
The fleet, seven-strong for the first time since November 29, when Vestas Wind struck a reef in the Indian Ocean on Leg 2, will then have an 10-day maintenance period before returning to competitive action on June 6 for the In-Port Race, before the Leg 8 departure for Lorient a day later.
Current latest standings (low points wins, In-Port Race Series splits ties): 1) Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing 11 pts, 2) Dongfeng Race Team 17, 3) Team Brunel 21, 4) Team Alvimedica 24, 5) MAPFRE 24, 6) Team SCA 35, 7) Team Vestas Wind (Denmark) 44.
Volvo Ocean Race Media
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