The regatta, held today in England, saw the VO65s come head-to-head for the first time before the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18, which starts in Alicante, Spain, on 22nd October
The Spanish round-the-world team left the other VO65s without options in the English regatta around the Isle of Wight. Xabi Fernandez, skipper and two-time Olympic medallist, led his crew to set a new regatta record, with a time of 3 hours, 13 minutes and 11 seconds. The team took nearly seven minutes off the previous record, held by the ICAP Maximus at 3 hours and 20 minutes. MAPFRE gave its absolute utmost in harsh wind conditions which at times peaked at 40 knots.
QUOTES
Xabi Fernández, skipper
We had a perfect start with great work from Joan, Pablo –who was helming- and Rob, and in this kind of race, getting a good start is most definitely a big step ahead. We tacked at exactly the right moment, and so it went really well for us.
Generally, we had a good wind angle all the way round, and conditions were pretty much perfect for us to get a good time. In the last few miles we lost a little advantage because the wind dropped, but it’s a perfect position.
At the start the boats all had the same sail set-up. We hadn’t even “rounded the corner” and the wind was at 25-20 knots. We were the last to put a reef in, but everything was always under control.
I am really pleased with the crew, it is one of our strong points. Many of us have already sailed together in previous round-the-world races and the new crew members are also really good. They have fitted in very well, and quickly, and things are really looking good.
Photo © Ugo Fonollá/MAPFRE/Volvo Ocean Race
RESULTS
- MAPFRE: 3 h 13 min 11 s
- Team Brunel: 3 h 14 min 55 s
- Team AkzoNobel: 3 h 15 min 16 s
- Dongfeng Race Team: 3 h 18 min 26 s
- Turn the Tide on Plastic: 3 h 24 min 16 s
- Vestas 11th Hour Racing: 3 h 25 min 10 s
- Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag: 3 h 29 min 53 s
