SANYA, China (AP) — Gale-force winds and 30-foot waves have forced Volvo Ocean Race organizers to delay a leg start for the first time since the event began in 1973.
Instead of heading straight for Auckland, New Zealand, at the scheduled restart time of 2 p.m. local on Sunday, the boats will sail a four-hour race outside Sanya Bay before returning to wait out the worst of the weather.
If forecasts are correct and conditions become sailable again, organizers hope to restart the race after a delay of 12 to 16 hours
