The fourth and final leg of the Channel 0 of the Volvo Ocean Race, which started on Sunday 13th August 2017 from Saint-Malo and was due to take the fleet of seven teams to Lisbon, was finally interrupted this Wednesday 16th August at 6:30 am (French time). The winds were too light, forcing the crews to carry out a gybing competition, which delayed the finish until Thursday... However, the teams must continue their preparations before the big start, which is scheduled for 22nd October from Alicante. The decision was therefore taken to stop the race on Tuesday evening. It must be said that at 21:00 on Tuesday 15th August, the Volvo Ocean 65s were sailing at around 5 knots and in a southerly wind of between 2 and 6 knots along the Spanish coast at 03:00 in the morning on 16th August.
"Preparation time for the Volvo Ocean Race is precious and we have to make sure the crews use it in the best possible way." explains Phil Lawrence, the race director.
Even if Vestas 11th Hour Racing wins this last race (it is the team that was closest to the goal), it is MAPFRE, the Spanish team led by Xabi Fernandez that wins the overall.
Remember that no points are at stake and that this Leg Zero will have no impact on the race. This preliminary stage (replacing qualifying) allowed the seven teams to navigate in race conditions before the big start.
General Ranking :
1. MAPFRE 29 points
2. Dongfeng Race Team 24
3. Team Brunel 23
4. Team AkzoNobel 22
5. Vestas 11th Hour Racing 20
6. Turn the Tide on Plastic 13
7. Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag 9
