SANYA, China (AP) — World sailor of the year Iker Martinez survived the toughest conditions of his career on Saturday to become the second skipper in 22 years to win the first three legs of the Volvo Ocean Race.
Spain’s Team Telefonica won the stage from Abu Dhabi to China, with Martinez matching New Zealander Peter Blake’s achievement in the 1989-90 edition.
After just less than 13 days of sailing, Team Telefonica beat French challengers Groupama by about 90 minutes, with the rest of the fleet on course to finish later Saturday and Sunday morning.
Telefonica has 95 points overall with seven legs remaining.
