ABN AMRO One starts final leg of VOR early but is now just one mile off the lead 15/6/06

The final leg of the Volvo Ocean Race is now underway.

The race started from Rotterdam at lunchtime today with the overall winners aboard ABN AMRO One pushing a bit too hard and recording an OCS. A quick spin round to re-cross the line however, soon saw the team back in the action and they are now just one mile from the leading yacht Brasil 1.

However, with 479 nautical miles remaining of the final leg, there is still a lot to play for as the crews have to navigate some tricky waters and make crucial tactical decisions.

At present the boats are expected to arrive into Göteborg, Sweden, on Saturday afternoon.

Current overall leaderboard
1st ABN AMRO ONE, Mike Sanderson (NZL) 94.0 pts
2nd Pirates of the Caribbean, Paul Cayard (USA) 66.0 pts
3rd Brasil 1, Torben Grael (BRA) 62.0 pts
4th ABN AMRO TWO, Sebastien Josse (FRA) 52.5 pts
5th Ericsson Racing Team, Neal McDonald (GBR) 52.0 pts
6th movistar, Bouwe Bekking (NED) 48.0 pts
7th Brunel, Grant Wharington (AUS)/Matt Humphries (GBR) 11.5 pts