On the morning of May 29, Beijing time (or on the early morning, GMT), Dongfeng Race Team, after experiencing eight days, ten hours, 16 minutes, and 12 seconds of hard struggle, crossed the finishing line of the 9th Stage of 2017-2018 Volvo Ocean Race, second only to Brunel Race Team and AkzoNobel Race Team. So to speak, not only did Dongfeng Race Team procure the second runner-up medal of the last double-score stage of this season, but also ranked the top of the total scoreboard again. In previous stage, Dongfeng Race Team, which ran ahead of its archrivals for most of the race schedule, was trapped in the breezeless area at the place 15 miles away from the finishing line, leading to its failure in getting on the podium for its “Fourth Place” performance. Also, it lost the hard-won first place on the total scoreboard.

In the 9th stage that extends from Newport of the USA to Cardiff of the UK, the racing route, sea conditions, and competition intensity are all eye-catching. In the Transatlantic Stage with the highest score percentage among the last three stages, all race teams did their best to get the first. Although it did not achieve the desired results by fulfilling its early route strategy, Dongfeng Race Team, relying on its steady performance in the second half stage, caught up with most race teams, successfully broke the nightmare “No wind before the finishing line”, and got good results. 

Charles, captain of Dongfeng Race Team, said: “I feel good for our success in ranking the top of the total scoreboard again, and I can have a breathing spell after our team ranks the third place of this stage.” He added: “In the total scoreboard, we are only one point ahead of MAPFRE Race Team and three points ahead of Brunel Race Team, so we will go all out to cope with such two tough opponents.” 

By virtue of its outstanding performance in the last three stages, Brunel Race Team, led by the senior player Bovey Beckin, has become another archrival of Dongfeng Race Team in the competition for the top prize. After completing the 9 stages, Dongfeng Race Team, MAPFRE Race Team, and Brunel Race Team ranked the top three of the total scoreboard by their results 60 points, 59 points, and 57 points respectively.

It is very likely for Dongfeng Race Team to win one extra bonus point for “Shortest Total Sailing Time” after the competition ends, which, however, is far from enough to ensure its success in ranking the top. Navigator Pascal Bidegorry said: “In the final two stages, we must win at least one champion for the extra bonus point is extremely important. We must run ahead of MAPFRE Race Team and Brunel Race Team to win the game!”

Team member Chen Jinhao has full faith in his teammates, saying: “The Top Three race teams are almost on a par, so it will be difficult and important for us to complete the following two stages. But I believe we can make it!”

There are two short stages left in 2017-2018 Volvo Ocean Race, which will conclude in Hague of Netherlands at the end of June.