On the morning of May 29, Beijing time (or on
the early morning, GMT), Dongfeng Race Team, after experiencing eight days, ten
hours, 16 minutes, and 12 seconds of hard struggle, crossed the finishing line
of the 9th Stage of 2017-2018 Volvo Ocean Race, second only to
Brunel Race Team and AkzoNobel Race Team. So to speak, not only did Dongfeng
Race Team procure the second runner-up medal of the last double-score stage of
this season, but also ranked the top of the total scoreboard again. In previous
stage, Dongfeng Race Team, which ran ahead of its archrivals for most of the
race schedule, was trapped in the breezeless area at the place 15 miles away
from the finishing line, leading to its failure in getting on the podium for
its “Fourth Place” performance. Also, it lost the hard-won first place on the
total scoreboard.
In the 9th stage that extends from
Newport of the USA to Cardiff of the UK, the racing route, sea conditions, and
competition intensity are all eye-catching. In the Transatlantic Stage with the
highest score percentage among the last three stages, all race teams did their
best to get the first. Although it did not achieve the desired results by
fulfilling its early route strategy, Dongfeng Race Team, relying on its steady
performance in the second half stage, caught up with most race teams, successfully
broke the nightmare “No wind before the finishing line”, and got good results.
Charles, captain of Dongfeng Race Team, said: “I
feel good for our success in ranking the top of the total scoreboard again, and
I can have a breathing spell after our team ranks the third place of this
stage.” He added: “In the total scoreboard, we are only one point ahead of
MAPFRE Race Team and three points ahead of Brunel Race Team, so we will go all
out to cope with such two tough opponents.”
By virtue of its outstanding performance in the
last three stages, Brunel Race Team, led by the senior player Bovey Beckin, has
become another archrival of Dongfeng Race Team in the competition for the top
prize. After completing the 9 stages, Dongfeng Race Team, MAPFRE Race Team, and
Brunel Race Team ranked the top three of the total scoreboard by their results 60
points, 59 points, and 57 points respectively.
It is very likely for Dongfeng Race Team to win one extra bonus
point for “Shortest Total Sailing Time” after the competition ends, which,
however, is far from enough to ensure its success in ranking the top. Navigator
Pascal Bidegorry said: “In the final two stages, we must win at least one
champion for the extra bonus point is extremely important. We must run ahead of
MAPFRE Race Team and Brunel Race Team to win the game!”
Team member Chen Jinhao has full faith in his teammates, saying: “The
Top Three race teams are almost on a par, so it will be difficult and important
for us to complete the following two stages. But I believe we can make it!”
There are two short stages left in 2017-2018
Volvo Ocean Race, which will conclude in Hague of Netherlands at the end of
June.
