After a two-day wait, Ericsson 4 wrapped up winning the in-port race of Qingdao stopover of 2008/09 Volvo Ocean Race on Monday.
The in-port race, the third one of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008/09,was originally slated for 1:00 p.m last Saturday. But thick fog put off the race to Sunday. The visibility on Sunday improved but the wind became a limiting factor since a minimum 5-knot wind is required for a fair racing. With no prospect of an improvement in wind speed, the race was put off to Monday.
On Monday, the wind improved to 6-8 knots, enough to allow a fair racing. Though it was still foggy with some drizzle, the race went on as planned.
"It's good to come out of those conditions with a win," said Torben Grael, skipper of Ericsson 4.
Two races were scheduled for the day. Ericsson 4 won the first race, beating Green Dragon into second place. While Puma and Telefonica Blue was third and fourth.
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Crew members of Ericsson 4 yacht are seen during the in-port race of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 in Qingdao Feb. 9, 2009. (Xinhua Photo) |
The second race went on under lighter wind. Telefonica Blue made a strong comeback, crossing the finish line first. Ericsson 4 settled for second place. Puma ranked third while Green Dragon fourth.
Overally, Ericsson 4 won the in-port race, adding 4 points. Telefonica Blue gained 3.5 points. Puma and Green Dragon got 3 and2.5 points separately.
Thus after 4 legs and 3 in-port races, Ericsson 4 leads the overall ranking with 49 points, and Telefonica Blue stands second with 45 points, edging Puma into third place with 41 points. Green Dragon is fourth overall with 30 points.
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The Ericsson 4 yacht is seen during the in-port race of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 in Qingdao Feb. 9, 2009. (Xinhua Photo) |
After the in-port race in Qingdao, the regatta will continue on its fifth leg from Qingdao to Rio de Janeiro on Feb. 14, covering 12,300 miles and the longest leg of the Volvo Ocean Race. The boats would approximately arrive in Rio on March 20.
(Xinhua News Agency Feburary 10, 2009)
