Monday, December 22, 2008

Telefonica Blue first into Singapore


Photo: Dave Kneale/Volvo Ocean Race
HARD-FOUGHT VICTORY FOR TELEFÓNICA BLUE

Fighting for every inch, Telefónica Blue, skippered by Dutchman Bouwe Bekking, crossed the finish line at the end of leg three of the Volvo Ocean Race to score an emphatic victory in Singapore today at 1451 GMT (2251 localtime). It was among the closest finishes in the race history, with the top four boats finishing within 20 minutes following nearly 10 days of racing.

The Spanish team takes a valuable eight points towards their overall score,which now stands at 30.5 points, putting them into second place overall (subject to protest).

The 1950 nautical mile leg, which started from Cochin, India, on December 13, has been a leg of mental and physical torture for the crew, which tooknine days, four hours, 51 minutes and 22 seconds to complete (09:04:41:22)PUMA, led by Kenny Read/USA claimed second, 17 minutes behind the Spanish team, (finish time 1508 GMT) adding seven points to her tally, giving her atotal of 27.5 points and third place overall. (Elapsed time: 09:05:08:01)

Positions are available every hour, on the hour, at http://www.volvooceanrace.org/ .