Green Dragon retains lead in Volvo Race

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2008

MADRID (AFP) — Sino-Irish entry Green Dragon on Wednesday held the lead in the Volvo Ocean Race around the world as the yachts headed for the first 'scoring gate,' pursued by the US entry Puma Racing and Sweden's Ericsson 4.

Other favorites, such as Spain's two Telefonica entries and Ericsson 3, were further back in light winds in the mid-Atlantic.

Green Dragon crossed the equator in mid-afternoon and hopes to be first to reach the 'scoring gate' at the island of Fernando de Noronha, off Brazil, where the yachts can pick up points toward the overall total that will decide the winner.

The boats are expected in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 3 at the end of the first leg of the race, which started in the Spanish port of Alicante on October 11.

...