26 Jan 2012

Camper locked in tense battle in Volvo Ocean Race

8:30 am on 26 January 2012

The Team New Zealand boat Camper is locked in a fascinating tactical contest with Puma at the front of the Volvo Ocean Race fleet as they close on the north west tip of Sumatra on the second stage of Leg 3 to China.

Leg leaders Puma are the closest to the first course turning point, the island of Pulau We, which marks the entrance to the restricted waters of the Malacca Strait with a three mile advantage over Camper.

However, the Puma crew are under constant threat from the second placed New Zealanders as they approach the unpredictable wind convergence zone to the north of the strait.

Groupama is third while overall race leaders Team Telefónica are fourth but catching up fast.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Team Sanya remained in fifth and sixth respectively having dropped back fractionally on the leaders.