Team New Zealand boat Camper has had a tough first 24 hours
in the Volvo Ocean Race but has managed to hold on to first
place in the testing conditions through the Strait of
Gibraltar near Spain.
With winds averaging 30 knots and at times gusting over 40
accompanied by 4-5m seas, Camper leads the fleet by just over
four nautical miles by this morning.
Telefonica is in second followed by Puma and Groupama. The
rough conditions have resulted in two boats pulling out of
the leg already with Abu Dhabi breaking its mast and Sanya
suffering hull damage.
After a strong start Camper slipped to fourth before fighting
her way back up the leader board overnight.
Despite the conditions spirits are high aboard Camper and
both crew and boat are in good shape, skipper Chris Nicholson
said.
"We've done thousands of miles in conditions similar to this
so it is not a major for us. We are focused on protecting our
lead and getting out of the Med in one piece.''
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