Volvo Ocean Race Update: 23/11/11: Chasing The Leader

Emirates Team New Zealand Media Update: Chasing the leader

23 November 2011

On day eighteen of leg one CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand is focused on making the most of the South Atlantic cold front and hauling in race leader Telefonica.

CAMPER is now under 2000 miles from Cape Town and with the drama of the previous day behind them have the hammer down and are aiming to make some in-roads into Telefonica.

CAMPER remains in second place some 103 miles off the pace.

They should be in the full strength of the strong frontal system in the next 24 hours that will propel them at high speed towards Cape Town in conditions that are likely to generate wet and wild sailing.

Skipper Chris Nicholson says that yesterday’s events have proven that the race is not over until you cross the finish line.

“It looks reasonably straightforward from here into Cape Town but as the last 24 hours have shown, reasonably straightforward can be anything but.

“Our focus is on sailing well, sailing prudently and doing everything we can to get to Cape Town in one piece and as quickly as we can.

“You can’t take anything for granted in this race and it’s a pretty thin line that we all tread in racing these boats, but we have an opportunity now and we’re going to fight hard for it.

Injured CAMPER bowman Mike Pammenter has remained stable overnight and his condition is steadily improving.

CAMPER in the latest position report at 1500h 23 November NZT is averaging 20 knots in a 16 knot north easterly.

Pictures of CAMPER, video footage and audio files are available upon request. Further information and race updates will be available on www.etnzblog.com

ENDS

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