The last gun of the Volvo Ocean Race offshore 2005 / 2006

Update 1100GMT The last gun of the nine Volvo Ocean Race offshore leg starting sequences is fired and six boats start the race to Gothenburg. Brasil 1 and Pirates didn’t engage in a match racing start as might have been expected. The boats gathered beyond the committee boat end of the line to approach the line. The current is against them so they might go right to the shore to avoid this. Pirates were in the middle of the line, waiting for Brasil 1 to come towards them. There was a lot of bias on the line and with the desire to go right it made for a log jam. Pirates and Brunel went for the pin. Pirates started well at the pin with Brunel on their hip. Brasil 1 tacked immediately to the shore after crossing the line. ABN AMRO ONE seem to be over at the start and are returning to re-cross after being on the wrong side of the line at the gun. The spectator fleet is causing some bother, particularly to ABN AMRO ONE.