Barring a bad set of circumstances, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing should be the next winner of the 2014-2015 Volvo Ocean Race when it arrives in Gothenburg on 27th June.
Today, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing is the leader of the Volvo Ocean Race with 19 points in the overall standings. Having always been on the podium since the beginning of the race, except in Lisbon, the Emirati team has an 8-point lead over its direct pursuer, Team Brunel.
Even if Ian Walker's crew abandons the race or finishes in last position, that wouldn't be enough to make them lose the lead. With 8 more points (for a withdrawal and 7 for a last place), it would bring them to a total of 27 points or 26 points. And in the event that Team Brunel, which has 27 points in the overall standings, wins the 9 e event, Bouwe Bekking's team would win 1 point for a total of 28 points. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing would therefore be the overall winner of the event, even in the event of withdrawal or last place.
The last hypothesis that would make the Emirati team lose the race would be a penalty of at least two points. For example, with the crossing of a Traffic Separation Zone. This rather unlikely scheme leaves Team Brunel with little chance of taking first place. But only the finish in Gothenburg will decide the winner.
"I can never thank the team enough. We never broke up. The shore crew did a fantastic job. We were always able to put our plans into action, nothing ever got in the way. We've had the best people in every position both at sea and ashore. We've almost won the race, but we've got one more step to go and we're going to do the best we can." explained Ian Walker, skipper of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.
