Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing maintains leg seven lead

Azzam crew have retained the lead in leg 7 of the Volvo Ocean Race as they hit the Atlantic winds.

Wade Morgan and Anthony Nossiter keeping each other on their feet during a sail change, onboard Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing during leg 7 of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12, from Miami, USA to Lisbon, Portugal. (Credit: Nick Dana/Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing/Volvo Ocean Race)

Wade Morgan and Anthony Nossiter during a sail change onboard Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing

May 27, 2012

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing have retained the lead in leg 7 of the Volvo Ocean Race as they hit the Atlantic winds.

The Azzam crew held a lead of more than 30 miles from PUMA Ocean Racing as Ian Walker's crew found themselves fasted of the six vessels competing.

But as the Abu Dhabi team - fifth in the overall standings - entered the final 1800 mile stint to Lisbon, they remain focused on how conditions off Portugal could impact their progress.

"There is a lot of runway ahead of us still, so it's vital that we continue to sail smart, not just fast, and remember what's waiting for us just off Portugal," watch leader Rob Greenhalgh told the race website.

Meanwhile sixth-placed Team Sanya were trying for a new tactic overnight by heading north towards the ice exclusion zone to try and find a new wind.

[ @SprtNationalUAE ]