Date:01/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/01/stories/2008120156681600.htm

Sport - Racing : Horse

Grael leads Ericsson4 to victory

KOCHI: Olympian Troben Grael mastered light winds as he led Ericsson4 to an impressive victory in the second leg of the Volvo Ocean Race at Willingdon Island here on Sunday.

“It was a big challenge, bigger than the first leg (Alicante to Cape Town). The speed gets very small in light winds,” said the 48-year-old Brazilian after the 4,500-nautical mile leg from Cape Town to Kochi. “We were also lucky to get some good winds in between.”

Ericsson4, which had won the first leg, arrived here three days earlier than expected and picked up 12 points.

The team now has 26 points and retains its lead in the eight-boat, 10-leg race. Spain’s Telefonica Blue, led by Bouwe Bekking, crossed the finish line on Sunday evening to take the second spot.

The Blue team had finished fifth in the first leg but a fine performance over the last few days helped the side climb up the ladder.

Ericsson3, Puma Ocean Racing and Green Dragon, in that order, are heading towards Kochi.

The 39,000-nautical mile race will enjoy a 14-day stopover in Kochi, hosted by Cochin Port Trust and the Kerala Tourism Department, before leaving for Singapore on the third leg. — Principal Correspondent