The Ocean Race: Team JAJO turn in another fine display on home waters as they lead VO65 Stage 3 Sprint to Genova

It was another fine display from Dutch boat Team JAJO on home waters as they were the first out of the exit gate in The Hague during the VO65 Stage 3 Sprint.

On another calm, sun-drenched day out on the North Sea, the early stages were hotly contested as overall leaders WindWhisper Racing Team kept three of their competing boats in a holding pen of sorts, as they sought to take the lead at the start of the leg.

But they were facing a battle with Team JAJO, who were fighting tooth and nail to get themselves at the head of the field.

This was only the first few miles of a tough 2,200 nautical mile leg, but no one was interested in ceding position, with Team JAJO managing to plot the best course around the two-lap windward-leeward circuit and establish a 300-metre lead after just one lap.

As the Leeward Gate approached, Team JAJO consolidated their lead as they sought to pick the right line, with their closest pursuers WindWhisper Racing Team and slightly further behind Austrian Ocean Racing powered by Team Genova.

“This is leaving your home waters in style,” Niall Myant-Best said on Eurosport commentary, assessing Team JAJO’s dominant display to that point as they led past Gate 3, and they kept their advantage as they sailed out of the exit gate first.

Speaking onboard, skipper Jelmer Van Beek said: “Super nice start. So many people outside again – it keeps amazing me.

“First place, so good job by the crew – let’s head to Genova!”

As part of the VO65 Stage 3 Sprint, the teams will take in the English Channel and the Mediterranean Sea en route to north-west Italy.

STANDINGS AFTER STAGE 3 START

1. Team JAJO
2. WindWhisper Racing Team
3. Austrian Ocean Racing powered by Team Genova
4. Mirpuri-Trifork Racing Team
5. Viva Mexico

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