MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Merry Christmas and a happy new year
“MAPFRE” ARRIVES TO ABU DHABI TAKING FOURTH PLACE
The boat skippered by Iker Martínez also takes the Speed Record Challenge for sailing the most miles in 24 hours during this second leg: 517.4
“MAPFRE” FINISHES LEG 2
The Spanish crew has crossed the finish line in Abu Dhabi at 03:18:18 UTC, after 24 d 11 h 18 m 18 s of racing.
2,489 MILES TO GO
We’ll have to wait to see the final outcome of “MAPFRE’s” bet towards the east but it ain’t over till the fat lady sings. Ahead, there will be several difficult steps which can result into large differences. Skipper Iker Martínez explained: “First, crossing the Equator and then, further north, another area where it’s forecasted not much wind. After that we will still have 1500 miles to go… Wow, there is still lots to go!”
HEADING TOWARDS THE INDIAN OCEAN, WITH “MAPFRE” IN THE LEADING PACK
Spectacular start in Cape Town of the second leg of the Volvo Ocean Race. The fleet sailed a coastal course with gusts that went from 40 knots (74 km/h) of wind speed to an absolute lack of it which have strongly slowed and accelerated the teams. “MAPFRE” passed the offset mark after the Dutch team, heading towards Abu Dhabi in second place.
