Four days into what's expected to be a long, hot slog through the Indian Ocean to Sunya, China, Puma Ocean Racing, powered by Berg, is hanging on to its fist-place lead in the third leg of the Volvo Ocean Race.
As of mid-day Wednesday, the Newport-based crew was 6 nm in front of their nearest competitor, Camper, with Emirates Team NZ, and just 7 nm ahead of the surging Team Telefonica.
Here's how media crew member Amory Ross described the scene on the boat Wednesday morning:
"We again find ourselves leading through the early stages of a leg. That makes three for three, and it only helps to reinforce our confidence in the boat, the sails, and the team. Now we just have to make it stick, something we haven’t been able to do so far!"
"The mood onboard this morning was a well rested one; it sounds like the guys had their first night of good sleep last night, and it’s a sure sign of settling into the offshore groove. I don’t think anyone has overcome the blistering heat though, and Michi still refuses to eat the freeze-dried until it’s at least a few hours old and cold. If you knew Michi’s passion for eating, you’d understand the gravity of the situation…"
"Last night was a busy one as we entered a region of overnight squalls and ominous clouds. CAMPER was a few miles behind and just above our line, and Groupama 4 a few miles back of them. At some point we accepted a cloud-induced header and CAMPER did not, and they tacked away to the north; we have not seen them since."
Teams are expected to start arriving in port in Sanya over the first few days in February. You can track the race, including live boat and wind spinds, on the VOR's website, www.VolvoOceanRace.com.
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