Telefonica dominate Volvo Ocean Race

(Rick Tomlinson/Volvo Ocean Race)

A first and a third for Bouwe Bekking in Telefonica Blue reinforced Spain’s growing dominance of the inshore stages of the Volvo race yesterday as sistership Telefonica Black scored a second and a fourth.

There was also a first win for the American Kenny Read’s Puma to celebrate, but what was a festival ashore was rather spoiled by two last places for the Irish boat, Green Dragon.

Skipper Ian Walker had tried to be upbeat about the training sessions, but he has lacked a speed advantage ever since the race left Alicante in October last year and just does not have the cash to upgrade, develop or even buy new sails. Even rolling the tactical dice produced nothing.

It was not the performance the Dragons had wanted to reward the fervent support that has transformed the mood of Galway ever since they arrived at their home port a week ago. Then, even at four in the morning, thousands waited to cheer their best result of the race so far, third on the transatlantic run from Boston, All week there has been a stream of politicians making the pilgrimage of public approval as part of their European parliament campaign trail.

Listen to Stuart Alexander in Galway.

VOLVO OCEAN RACE: Overall standings (after seven legs);