Slowly, but surely, Volvo Ocean Race’s Leg 6 begins sailing to States

Conditions meant boats weren't exactly off and racing from Itajai, Brazil on Sunday, but eventually they got started on their way to the United States in the Volvo Ocean Race's sixth leg.

Team Brunel leave port in Itajai, Brazil for Newport, US on Sunday to mark the start of the sixth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race. Ainhoa Sanchez / Volvo Ocean Race / April 19, 2015

A lack of wind kept the Volvo Ocean Race fleet stranded in the Brazilian port of Itajai for a frustrating hour on Sunday before they finally began the sixth leg of the nine-month marathon.

The boats are capable of reaching more than 40 knots (75 kph), but the packed docks of spectators had little to view as sailors tried desperately to pick up the merest hint of breeze.

Eventually, the Turkish/American boat, Team Alvimedica, led the fleet slowly into the Atlantic for the 5,010-nautical mile stage to Newport, Rhode Island, US, which is expected to take up to 20 days to complete.

Mapfre (Spain) were their closest pursuers followed by overall race leaders Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, Team SCA, Dongfeng Race Team and Team Brunel.

Briton Ian Walker and his Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing crew, who lead the points table after Dongfeng failed to complete the fifth leg because of a broken mast, had a miserable start as they found themselves on the wrong side of the starting line and had to perform a turn in slow motion before setting off.

In all, the fleet will sail 38,739 nautical miles (71,745 kilometres), visiting 11 ports before reaching the finish line in June in Gothenburg, Sweden.

By Monday’s 10.25am UTC (2.25pm UAE) position report, Mapfre were ahead with a 1.8nm edge on Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. Alvimedica are 2nm back, in third, Team SCA 3.9nm behind in fourth, Dongfeng Race Team 4.7nm lagging in fifth, and Team Brunel bringing up the rear 5.3nm behind.

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