Severe seas threaten Volvo Ocean Race stage
Thursday, February 16, 2012
SANYA, China (AP) -- Severe conditions in the South China Sea have raised the prospect of the first delayed start in the Volvo Ocean Race's 39-year history.
The fourth leg of the race from Sanya in China to Auckland, New Zealand, is due to start Sunday but forecasts of waves up to 10 meters and 50-knot winds have led some to urge a delay to as late as Wednesday.
Iker Martinez, skipper of the race leader Telefonica, said a delay "seems like a good idea."
Race chief executive Knut Frostad said a decision will be left to the last minute. He said "our sailors are used to taking on treacherous conditions in all weathers but what we're looking at here is beyond reasonable."
More like this
Volvo Ocean Race delayed by winds, high waves
