The weather conditions were perfect when the Volvo Ocean Race 2008/2009 started on October 4 in Alicante, Spain. Seven knots wind and a broiling sun contributed to attract a huge crowd of people, both on and off shore. The quay walls which gave an excellent view, were packed, and huge crowds gathered around the big screen in the race village as well as around the screens showing the race live in nearby hotels.
One after another, the Volvo Open 70s left the dock side just opposite the Volvo stand where thousands of people had gathered.
Two races were held and the points from both races were added together to give an overall score for the day’s racing.
After both races, leading from start to finish in race one, and winning an intense battle from Puma to take race two, Telefonica Blue finished in first place overall in front of their home crowd.
“It was a very difficult day, the wind shifted a lot but we had a good time, both boats did very well and we enjoyed ourselves,” said Bouwe Bekking after his win.
Sister ship Telefonica Black finished in second, followed by Puma.
The points for the day were calculated from the finishing positions in both races.
1. Telefónica Blue (Bouwe Bekking/Iker Martinez) 4 points
2. Telefónica Black (Fernando Echávarri) 3.5 points
3. Puma Il Mostro (Ken Read) 3 points
4. Ericsson 4 (Torben Grael) 2.5 points
5. Green Dragon (Ian Walker) 2 points
6. Delta Lloyd (Ger O’Rourke) 1 point
7. Ericsson 3 (Anders Lewander) 0.5 points*
8. Team Russia (Andreas Hanakamp) 0.5 points
* Deducted 1 penalty point (see story)