#vor – An independent ISAF jury's decision to impose a penalty point on Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing's closest rivals for the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 title could, paradoxically, leave Ian Walker's crew with an unwanted headache for the final two legs.
The Emirati boat's skipper had previously conceded that his tactics for the closing legs, having opened up a formidable six-point advantage, would be to 'cover' Dongfeng Race Team (Charles Caudrelier/FRA).
Anyone thinking that Walker and co will consequently sleep that much better on the eve of Sunday's (June 7) Leg 8 departure, may have pause for thought, however.
The Briton will no longer have just one boat to 'cover'.
He needs to keep a very close eye on both Team Brunel and Dongfeng Race Team and with Team Vestas Wind (Chris Nicholson/AUS) now back in a restored seven-strong fleet, there are several permutations that could yet see Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing miss out on the grand prize.
Walker sees things pretty simply: "We've got to finish in the top three or top four - twice - or just beat them (Team Brunel and Dongfeng Race Team)," he said.
