Volvo, in Newport super Spanish. All departed for Lisbon

MAPFRE pulled off a masterpiece in the Team Vestas Wind In-port race in Newport, dominating the race, just over 9 miles on a stick course, raced in glamorous Nagarraset Bay amid two wings of spectator boats and thousands of fans thronging the shoreline of the celebrated U.S. resort, rightly regarded as one of the world’s sailing capitals. In fact, the Spaniards led from start to finish, after a near-perfect start and regulating all opponents, thanks in part to excellent speed throughout the course. It is a success that will certainly please skipper Iker Martínez, who returned to MAPFRE’s wheel after skipping the last leg to meet commitments in the Nacra17 Olympic class.

BATTLE WITH ALVIMEDICA
The Spaniards battled it out in the early stages with the U.S. crew of Team Alvimedica to come out on top at the first buoy, where MAPFRE’s decision to opt for the left buoy proved successful, as the breeze was stronger on the left side of the course. Thereafter, for the Spaniards’ pursuers it was, indeed, just a matter of chasing, with a course and wind that did not allow for great strategic choices. Team Alvimedica also managed to resist the attacks of the other teams and finished in second place about a minute behind, but greeted by the applause and enthusiasm of the Newport crowd. Rounding out the podium is Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, which made a fine comeback from last place and, thanks to today’s result, returns to the top of the In-port Series standings. For its part, MAPFRE remains in sixth place in the coastal regatta standings, but comes very close to its rivals. Interestingly, with the Spaniards’ victory, all teams except Team Vestas Wind had at least one success.

TODAY’S START
The competitors, back in port, after the customary prize-giving celebrations will have a few hours to get ready, and get the boats ready, for the start of the seventh leg to Lisbon, which will mark the Volvo Ocean Race’s return to Europe. So meet today at 2 p.m. local time, 8 p.m. in Italy, to follow the action online on the regatta’s website, dedicated YouTube channel, Apps and media partner platforms.

Order of Finish Newport Team Vestas Wind In-Port Race:

1. MAPFRE 14:55:41 – 1 point

2. Team Alvimedica 14:56:39 – 2 points

3. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing 14:57:38 – 3 points

4. Team SCA 14:57:57 – 4 points

5. Team Brunel 14:58:17 – 5 points

6. Dongfeng Race Team 14:59:09 – 6 points

DNS. Team Vestas Wind – 8 points

In-Port series Overall ranking:

1. Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing – 19 points

2. Team Brunel – 20 points

3. Team SCA – 24 points

4. Dongfeng Race Team – 27 points

5. Team Alvimedica – 28 points

6. MAPFRE – 31 points

7. Team Vestas Wind 52 points