Ericsson Racing Team’s International crew today overcame light and shifty winds and three competitors to win the Qingdao In-Port Race of the Volvo Ocean Race.
With skipper Torben Grael of Brazil at the helm, Ericsson 4 posted a first and a second to win its second consecutive In-Port Race. The International crew now has 49 points and extended its overall lead by a half point to 4 points.
“It was a very light-air day, but it’s good to come out with a win,” said Grael. “It’s in a good direction for us, so we’re happy with that.”
The two races were sailed in frustrating conditions. The wind shifted as much as 25 degrees with the speed between 4 and 8 knots. The first race finished with about 5 minutes to spare on the 90-minute time limit, and the second race was in heavier fog.
“We had as much control as you can have in 4 knots of wind,” said Grael. “We had a good day, but there were too many points riding on such a light-air day.”
Grael and tactician Stu Bannatyne led Ericsson 4 to a nice port tack start in Race 1 with the giant Code Zero genoa set in the 6-knot winds. Although slightly behind off the line, they had good speed and were headed in the direction they desired.
