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Volvo Ocean Race 08/09: Restart in Qingdao, China

750 views · Published 23 February 2009 · 2:40 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: Motor Boat & Yachting · 2009 · Sports

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Telefonica Blue dropped her sails and headed back to port, just minutes before the start of Leg 5 from Qingdao. Skipper Bouwe Bekking informed the Race Committee that his team were suspending racing, which under the rules, must be for a minimum of two hours.

The boat was immediately hauled out of the water to assess the damage caused when the boat went aground briefly, at a speed of six or seven knots. A crewman immediately went into the water, but was unable see clearly the extent of the problem and Bekking made the decision to suspend racing. 

"The biggest concern is a crack just above the bulb," said skipper Bouwe Bekking after a brief look at the keel. "All the paint has disappeared - something has moved from over there. We are going to take the bulb off and have a look."

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