VOR 2011/12

VOR update 47

ABU DHABI EYE UNEXPECTED CHANCE TO CATCH UP ON FLEET

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing were working to get their stricken boat back in the water and take advantage of an unexpected opportunity to make up ground on the four teams still racing in Leg 1 of the Volvo Ocean Race on Monday.

VOR update 46

TEAM SANYA'S ENTRY IN THE VOLVO OCEAN RACE 2011-12 SUFFERS HULL DAMAGE & RETIRES FROM 1st LEG

Aksel Magdahl, navigator on board Team Sanya, reported at 0834 UTC Sunday, November 6 that they had suffered hull damage on the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12, which began yesterday in Alicante.

Skipper Mike Sanderson has confirmed to Volvo Ocean Race control: "The situation is very much under control, everyone is obviously disappointed but in good spirits as all are safe on board.”

VOR update 45

ABU DHABI OCEAN RACING'S AZZAM SUFFERS BROKEN MAST

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s Azzam reported that she had suffered a broken mast and had suspended racing on the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12, which began today in Alicante.Navigator Jules Salter told Volvo Ocean Race control that all the crew were unhurt and were attempting to recover what they could. "There is no panic on board and we're planning to motor back during the night before effecting repairs," he said. The boat was 30 nautical miles south of Cartagena on the Spanish coast. The wind was blowing 30 knots and the waves were around 3.5 metres.

VOR update 44

VOLVO OCEAN RACE FLEET HEADING FOR FIRST NIGHT

The Volvo Ocean Race fleet is set for an early battering as the six teams head straight into what could be boat-breaking conditions on the first of nine ocean legs starting tomorrow.

The weather forecast is for winds of 25 knots just hours after the starting gun fires in Alicante, Spain at 1300 UTC (1400 local).

VOR update 43

FIRST BLOOD TO ABU DHABI IN THRILLING VOLVO OCEAN RACE OPENER

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing delivered an early blow to their rivals picking up the first points of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 with a comprehensive win in the inaugural in-port race. Led by British skipper & double Olympic silver medallist Ian Walker, romped home to a massive 14-minute win over their closest rivals in the Iberdrola In-Port Race in Alicante, Spain.