#VOR - Some 160 nautical miles separate the first and last place boats in the Volvo Ocean Race as the fleet plies the South China Sea towards their destination of Sanya.
But it's not over till it's over, as race leaders Dongfeng Race Team know all too well after the job broke loose yesterday evening (22 January), threatening to ruin the sail and take them out of the running.
Quick thinking and teamwork among the international crew saved the day, as Jonno Turner reports on the official race website, and they've been able to maintain their commanding lead – currently more than 56 nautical miles ahead of second-place Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.
Despite the spread, however, the race is as competitive as ever. Just ask the boat holding up the rear, the all-women Team SCA – who are emphasising the positives over the negatives, such as the challenges of navigating the Malacca Strait and rounding Singapore.
The VOR website has more on the story HERE.
