Friday 11 August 2017

VolvoOceanRace Boats tested on the Fastnet Rock race.

It was a 2nd test for the VolvoOceanRace(VOR) Boats as preparation for the VOR , starting 22 October in Alicante with a Leg 1 to Lisbon.  But is was a first test for VOR boats sailing competitive in an Ocean like environment. 

On Sunday 6th August, all 7 VOR Boats started in Cowes for the 600 odd NM Sailing race around the Fastnet Rock. Though this pre-race event does not count for the VOR score, the Teams were not taking it easy and did their utmost to win this race, or were trimming and testing their boat and sails to optimise their speed compared to the other boats. 


The start with many Boats in a small water.


It was a hard race, with many lead changes. Maphre had a good start not far behind followed by Dongfeng. The other Boats following aat short distance.


The famous Fastnet Rock rounding
It was Dongfeng that rounded the Fastnet Rock in the lead ,shortly followed by AkzoNobel, a new entry in the VOR.


Dongfeng wins Fastnet Rock race before Maphre
The return travel saw Dongfeng separate from the fleet to sail passed the Scilly islands, but wind shifts brought many changes in the lead. 
Ultimately it was Dongfeng that won Victory over Maphre with just a minute. For sure a close battle and this promises much good for the coming VOR. 

Results
1. Dongfeng Race Team:     2d15h38m10s
2. MAPFRE:                       2d15h39m06s

3. Team Brunel:                 2d15h45m47s
4. team AkzoNobel:            2d15h52m40s
5. Vestas 11th Hour Racing: 2d16h09m11s

6. Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag: 2d16h13m53s
7. Turn the Tide on Plastic:  2d16h17m32s