Somewhat far from home: 7,450 km from Spain and more specifically in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the Persian Gulf. That's where Team Telefónica will be welcoming in 2012. They are one of the few Spanish sports teams not resting over the festive period. Perhaps to feel a little closer to home and to wish all of their fans and followers a happy new year, the team leading the Volvo Ocean Race, headed up by skipper Iker Martínez , got together this morning to wish everyone a very happy 2012.
There are no grapes in Abu Dhabi for the 12 chimes at midnight, a Spanish tradition that happens only in Spain, nor will there be any toasts with Champagne or Cava, given that alcohol is off limits. However, the Team Telefónica have managed to organise some imported grapes from Spain and at 00:00 Abu Dhabi time, which is 21:00 in Spain (GMT +1) the team and their families will toast in the new year with a glass of apple juice. They'll also be lucky enough to enjoy a concert by British group Coldplay in the Abu Dhabi VOR Village which was opened today with His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan in attendance.
The leg may resume on the 4th of January
The team are eagerly awaiting the arrival of “Telefónica” at the Sharjah coastline in the United Arab Emirates. The boat is currently being transported by heavy cargo ship alongside her rivals, with the exception of Team Sanya. The next stage of the leg is expected to kick off on Wednesday the 4th of January.
Team Telefónica wishes everyone a very Happy New Year and and that the success may continue into 2012!
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Two out of two, not bad stats…
I think we managed to win both legs because things went pretty smoothly for us and some of the other boats had some issues. ...
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