3rd leg of Volvo Ocean Race starts from Cochin

12:10 PM Sat 13 Dec 2008 GMT

'Start of third leg of the Volvo Ocean Race from Cochin' Volvo Ocean Race &copy

The third leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, a step into the unknown, began in 7 knots of NW breeze in Cochin this morning. As the fleet embarked on its 1950nm passage to Singapore, it was PUMA who had eked out a slight advantage soon after the gun.

A downwind start and stately slow progress for the Volvo fleet.

At the favoured pin end, Green Dragon got off to the best start with Telefonica Black and Team Russia close on her heels.

PUMA, Telefonica Blue and Ericsson 4 crossed the start at the committee boat end and made their way to the middle of the course. Within 10 minutes they had overhauled the quick starters and formed the leading group.

Behind them a squabble was already developing between Delta Lloyd and Ericsson 3, and half an hour after the gun, Team Russia had dropped to the tail, suffering in these light conditions.

Crowds gathered on the dockside in Cochin, India, pre the 3rd leg start to Singapore - Rick Tomlinson-Volvo Ocean Race &copy Click Here to view large photo

Volvo Open 70’s make their way to the start line for leg 3 of the Volvo Ocean Race, from Cochin, India to Singapore - Rick Tomlinson-Volvo Ocean Race &copy Click Here to view large photo

by Volvo media

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