Dongfeng Race Team retain a stranglehold on leg three of the Volvo Ocean Race although a once 100 nautical mile plus advantage over second-placed Mapfre had been cut to just 39 last night.
There has been a significant gap between the mixed Chinese/French crew and the various teams who have occupied second in recent weeks, but as Dongfeng entered the treacherous Malacca Strait they could well need every single mile of that big lead.
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This third leg has been an impressive and determined showing from Charles Caudrelier’s crew so far, as they eye an historic VOR breakthrough with China tantalisingly within sight.
None of the three Chinese teams to enter the race has ever won a stage in offshore sailing’s most prestigious event but Dongfeng are ideally poised to be the first.
The Malacca Strait, though, is a 500nm journey that could easily scupper hopes before they even reach the final section to Sanya.
The Strait, separating the Indonesian island of Sumatra from Malaysia, is considered the busiest shipping lane in the world and is littered with huge tankers and dozens of tiny fishing vessels, as well as, bizarrely enough, litter.
In past races, teams have found themselves dodging discarded refrigerators and washing machines, with a collision at speed potentially causing considerable damage to a Volvo Ocean 65.
Caudrelier said: “We dream of being first to arrive ‘home’ but these Straits really concern us. The race is, without doubt, going to be decided there.”
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing are third and just 42nm off the lead.
