Abu Dhabi edge thrilling finish into Lisbon

SAILING:IN THRILLING conclusion to the transatlantic leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, the overall standings of the 39,000-mile contest have been over-turned with one month remaining before the finale in Galway.

British double-Olympic medallist Ian Walker at last delivered a stage podium result on Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing as he sustained a five-day lead to deliver first place into Lisbon after an 11-day leg from Miami.

Walker’s victory was by the slimmest margin after a surge by Franck Cammas’ Groupama 4 that closed rapidly on the Emirati entry in the fickle evening breeze to take second place six minutes later.

Significantly, overall race leader Iker Martinez on Telefonica lost first place and now lags Groupama by three points after placing fourth for the leg.

Even that result was an improvement as the Spaniards had been in last place at times over the last few days and only recovered ground on the final approach to the Portuguese coast.

The podium rearrangement continued with the relegation of Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand to fourth place while American Ken Read moves into third place behind Martinez.

Despite this, first to fourth places are separated by 21 points with a possible 76 points maximum score available from the remaining two legs and three In-Port Races.

Given this unprecedented scoreboard arising from the various upsets to the fleet over the past seven months, no one outcome is assured although the most recent form would suggest that Cammas, who has delivered podium results throughout the race, and Read, who has won the two legs prior to this and placed third this week, appear to be on course to deny Martinez overall victory.

In turn, Martinez badly needs to recover the form that delivered three consecutive wins in the opening half of the race while many of the other boats dealt with mast breakages and boat construction problems.

As for Walker, this week’s leg win is a significant morale booster that underlines his team’s promised potential. The win adds to his three In-Port race victories but as these score just 20 per cent of a leg equivalent, the former Green Dragon skipper has already accepted that a podium result is beyond reach.

The race resumes competition this day week with the Lisbon In-Port event followed by the eighth leg start from Lisbon back into the Atlantic for a 2,000 mile course to Lorient in Brittany.

The final leg is expected to arrive in Galway from the Monday, July 2nd, with the deciding In-port race due to be held off Salthill on Saturday, July 7th.