Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing wins Iberdrola In-Port Race of 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race in Alicante
Atmosphere at Alicante on the first day of 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race was outstanding. The VOR fleet started off the first Iberdrola In-Port Race under ideal weather. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing put forward an excellent sailing display to their rivals clinching
first position of the regatta after a convincing victory in the opening race of the event in Spain.
The Abu Dhabi crew was skippered by double Olympic silver medallist, Great Britain’s Ian Walker, who led the boat home to an impressive success with a 14-minute advantage over the fleet in the Iberdrola In-Port Race. Abu Dhabi, Camper and Groupama had an
equally matched start, each looking for an advantage over each other but Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing took this battle.
Speaking to local media at the conclusion of the race, Walker said, “It’s a great win, I feel fantastic. It’s a great start for Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. I don’t think it means too much but I said before we left the dock that whoever wins today’s race can
go home with a spring in their step and look forward to the week ahead. We had practised it in training and we pulled it off. It was a credit to everyone.”
Following them closely, Puma Ocean Racing powered by BERG crossed the finish line with second spot, ahead of Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand, who finished on third podium. After the race finished, Groupama sailing team made a protest against Camper
before the race committee. Details of this protest are still unknown.
The surroundings of Alicante waters in Spain were filled with strong winds and pelting rain as the teams left the dock but the forecast cleared at 14:00 local time with a steady breeze blowing down the race course from 10 to 15 knots.
Overall positions are given below:
1. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, 53 minutes 44 seconds = 6 points
2. Puma Ocean Racing powered by BERG, 1 hour 07:58 = 5 points
3. CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand, 1:10:11 = 4 points
4. Team Sanya, 1:10:43 = 3 points
5. Groupama sailing team, 1:11:11 = 2 points
6. Team Telefónica, 1:12:08 = 1 point
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