VOR: Telefonica Blue Change Their Rudders

by Volvo Ocean Race media

"We think it's worth it."

With those words skipper Bouwe Bekking confirmed Telefonica Blue will pay a three-point penalty to change their rudders.

It means their tally will fall to 42 points, seven behind leaders Ericsson 4, and just one ahead of third-placed PUMA, but Bekking is convinced the step backwards could inspire a leap forward in the long term.

"If we didn't think it would be better we wouldn't do it," he said. "Of course if we lose overall by three points people will say you shouldn't have done it, but we really think we will go faster in the coming legs. We are in this race to win and I think this will help us do that."

Bekking revealed the new set - which draws the penalty under the race rules regarding changes to the size of appendages - have the same dimensions as those fitted to the Black boat in Singapore last month.

At the time, the Telefonica shore team disclosed the set were identical in shape to the original ones but with 27 per cent increased length and volume. The Black crew subsequently reported enhancements in control, and Bekking expects the same.

Citing an improvement in reaching and running conditions, he said: "We had it in mind to swap it for the second half of the race, especially this long leg, because of the heavy reaching and heavy running. Then, going to Boston (on leg six) there will be reaching and to Ireland (in leg seven) there will be reaching and running.

"We think in heavier downwind it will give us benefits, but in reaching it will give us a benefit as well."

The team were clearly disappointed in their downwind performance during leg one, when they finished fifth. Bekking expects the new rudders to prove their worth in leg five. "We'll see how we go," he said. "But I'm confident we have made the right call."

The penalty will be assessed when the Race Committee gets the official paperwork from the team and the measurers, likely on Thursday.

Volvo Ocean Race