20 Feb 2012

Team NZ closes in on Telefonica

7:26 pm on 20 February 2012

Team New Zealand's return to Auckland has got underway again with Camper leading the fleet out of the southern Chinese port of Sanya, as Leg Four of the Volvo Ocean Race resumed.

After a 12 hour stop imposed by race management due to weather concerns, the re-start was staggered, with Camper leaving nine minutes behind first placed Telefonica reflecting the order that they finished in yesterday's stage one.

However, after three hours of racing Camper had made the most of the light and shifty conditions to build a slim lead and be 0.6 miles ahead of second placed Abu Dhabi.

Before leaving Sanya, Camper Skipper Chris Nicholson said the team was disappointed with the decision by race organisers to split Leg Four into two stages.

Nicholson said there were different options available for the boats to deal with the forecast conditions and Team New Zealand felt they were well prepared and geared up for the conditions.

He said in a professional race the decision on whether to start or not should be in the hands of the skipper.