Ken Read's PUMA Ocean Racing and Iker Martínez’s Telefónica crossed the equator within an hour of each other as they head towards Cape Town and the finish of the first leg of the 2011-'12 Volvo Ocean Race, according to an update from the race. They now head towards Fernando de Noronha, the Leg 1 turning mark off the coast of Brazil.
The two teams stayed close throughout the Doldrums with several lead changes. CAMPER sits in third, while Groupama brings up the rear of the fleet.
Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Team Sanya both retired within 24 hours of the start. After Abu Dhabi's rig came down, sailor Adil Khalid stated in a press release, “It was the scariest day of my life for sure.” Team Sanya retired due to severe hull damage (see the damage here).
Follow the race at http://www.volvooceanrace.com/
