Volvo Ocean Race: Caudrelier's men set the early pace

Dongfeng Race Team have dominated the Volvo Ocean Race ever since they entered their home waters in Sanya last month, and Sunday marked no change despite four swaps in their crew line-up for Leg 4 to Auckland.

Charles Caudrelier’s men won the stage from Abu Dhabi and then followed up on Saturday with a convincing win in the Team Vestas Wind In-Port Race.

Dongfeng raced clear of the six-strong fleet virtually from the starter’s gun and set the early pace ahead of second placed Team Brunel led by Dutch skipper Bouwe Bekking.

The boats will have to cover a distance of approximately 5260 nautical miles and are forecast to arrive in Auckland at the beginning of March.