Volvo Ocean Race: Puma leads for the race

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The first week of Volvo Ocean Race competition witnessed strong winds and high seas, which led to serious damage to many boats. As a result only four of the original six boats that begin the chase are left. The remaining vessels sailed out into the Atlantic as they continued their voyage from the Spanish port of Alicante to Cape Town in South Africa, and were greeted by calmer seas.

After suffering a damaged mast, Abu Dhabi made rapid repairs and headed out to restart the race 13-hundred kilometers behind the rest of the fleet.

In the mix: Puma are in a scrap with Telefonica

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing skipper, Ian Walker said: "Well, we've been agonizing for a couple of days because when we left Alicante we knew we weren't 100 per cent and we know that we haven't full isolated why our mast fell down. So, very regrettably we've decided that we need to try and get back in control of our own destiny by shipping the boat to Cape Town and replacing the rigging so we can leave Cape Town 100 per cent and that's the best way for us to have a chance of winning this race."

It was back to just four boats on the water. Groupama stretched their lead to more than 320 kilometers. But then Puma, Telefonica and Camper were rewarded for their westward passage with strong winds which enabled them to jib south and move ahead of Groupama.

The skipper of Groupama, Franck Cammas said: "The other three boats are 200 miles to t! he west at the same latitude. Evidently, we are now regretting that we are not with the others, but when we made the decision it was the best thing to do, going south like we did."

Puma now lead with Telefonica close behind and Camper in third place. Groupama have slipped back to fourth.

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