Telefonica leads as Ocean Race heads for Auckland

Team Telefonica led the Volvo Ocean Race fleet out of Sanya and into the most challenging stretch of the race so far here Monday. Telefonica held a slim advantage after race organisers were forced to split the fourth leg into two stages because of dangerous weather conditions in the South China Sea, with forecasts of waves breaking over 10 metres. It was the first time organisers have made such a decision because of weather in the 39-year history of the race. "No doubt there will be some very big leftover waves," said Team Telefonica watch leader Neal McDonald before leaving port. "Despite the wind being a more manageable breeze I suspect there will be boat-breaking conditions and we’ll need to be careful." The fourth leg's second stage, which will take the fleet over 5,220 nautical miles to Auckland in New Zealand, got underway at 0700 local time on Monday (2300 GMT on Sunday) and was staggered according to finishing times in the first stage held the day before along the Chinese coast. That gave Telefonica a two minute 32 second head start over Groupama, who placed second in the 43.2 nautical miles sprint and an even bigger advantage over the rest of the fleet. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing started third, followed by Team Sanya (CHN), Camper (ESP/NZL and finally Puma (USA) who set off 39 minutes and 17 seconds after Telefonica. The race finishes in Galway, Ireland in July.