Wednesday 10 June 2009

VOR: Ericsson 4 First to Rotterdam Gate


Ericsson 4, first to the Rotterdam mark. Image copyright Oskar Kihlborg/Ericsson Racing Team.

by Victoria Low

At 0947 this morning Ericsson 4 was first to arrive at the Rotterdam Gate, followed by Green Dragon, Telefonica Black and Puma. The fleet then had to complete a loop of the Delta Lloyd Race Gate, a 20-minute course outside the Port of Rotterdam.

"It was tight racing all night, rather like it has been from the start," commented Guy Salter, Media Crew Member on Ericsson 4. " We had up to about 26knots of wind and it was pretty fresh. It must have been quite a spectacle for the spectator boats on the water, and considering it was early on a Tuesday morning, was quite a surprise to see so many people around!"

On rounding the bottom mark Ericsson 4 is now leading the fleet under masthead asymmetric spinnaker.

"We are heading north up the coast and doing about 20knots of boat speed. Green Dragon, Telefonica Black and Puma are all within sight, with the rest of the fleet not far behind. It is going to be a tight old race all the way to the finish," concluded Salter.

Positions at 1015hGMT
1. Ericsson 4 402 nm to the finish
2. Green Dragon +3nm
3. Puma +5nm
4. Telefonica Black +7nm
5. Delta Lloyd +13nm
6. Telefonica Blue +18nm
7. Ericsson 3 +55nm

Ericsson Racing Team
Volvo Ocean Race

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