Press Release News

MADRID, 24 Dec. (EUROPA PRESS)-

The ' Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand' has snatched the provisional leadership to the 'Telefónica' in the 'Volvo Ocean Race', round the world sailing with scales, with the fleet in mode stealth as a measure of security because of the possible attack of pirates.

The ship by Chris Nicholson was awarded the leadership in the report of the 8.00 hours to put at the head of the classification the day met two weeks of stage 2 and after a hard battle with the Telefónica Iker Martinez, second 23.7 miles in the part of 1400 hours.

Both boats staged an intense duel throughout the night surfing faster and more eastward than its rivals. After cutting distances in each position report from 2300 hours on Friday, 'Camper' beat the Spanish vessel in the first hour of this day of Christmas Eve. In fact, the New Zealand boat made a slalom in the early morning which allowed him to dawn by the bow of his rival.

Thus, Hamish Hooper, 'Camper' communication with Emirates Team New Zealand crew, did not hesitate to consider that they had "a good day". "Although the good days do not have too much unless you're at the end of the last day of the stage." "So, as in the bad days, take as it comes, so forget and you focuses on keep browsing as quickly as possible," commented.

The two boats have managed to overcome the zone of calm, the 'doldrums', and move with winds of West component at rate higher than his three rivals. Thus, in the calculation of speeds, 'Camper' registers 17.2 knots of average in the last three hours, by the 'Groupama' 11.2 and 5.2 of the 'Azzam', that after cutting distances until Friday, returned to cede ground to 195,2 miles that separate it from the leader currently.

On the other hand, Diego Fructuoso, crew member of the 'Telefónica' communication, regretted having relinquished the lead. "We have released the first place, 'Camper' has now." "They are very close, so we hope to give them hunting," he said.

However, the murciano hoped to win the battle to the 'Groupama' and the 'Camper'. "We are the ship over to the East, the option which we once less risky, even though says I Iker (Martínez), at this point, you always need to have some luck. '""Groupama' opted for the option more to the West and 'Team New Zealand' by most Surf Centre", added.

Anyway, the difference side between both groups ('Groupama', 'Puma' and 'Azzam') to the West; 'Camper' and 'Call' to the East) can still play a decisive role as pursuer trio begins to sail with the same wind that propels now leaders. Chris Nicholson warned this morning: "Yet much remained to be playing at this stage".

Among the 55 crew members trying to make the most of its Volvo Open 70 in the first leg of this stage 2, there are Spanish eight who will spend Christmas Eve and Christmas away from home: Iker Martínez, Xabi Fernandez, Pepe Ribes, Antonio 'Ñeti' Cuervas-Mons, Jordi Calafat, Pablo Arrarte and Diego Fructuoso aboard of the Telefónica, which will have nougat for a dinner with pasta; and Roberto 'Chuny' Bermúdez aboard the Camper.

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