Ericsson 3 replace non-compliant keel

6:07 PM Wed 5 Nov 2008 GMT

'Ericsson 3 have fitted a new keel for the second leg of the Volvo Ocean Race' Volvo Ocean Race &copy

Ericsson 3 have replaced their non-compliant keel and will no longer be penalised to the tune of one point per in-port race, one for each scoring gate and two for every leg finish. The keel arrived in Cape Town on Sunday, one day before the team crossed the finish line in third place.

Ericsson 3 took a large step towards achieving their potential by replacing their non-compliant keel Wednesday. The team were penalised as a result of a pre-race verdict by the International Jury, who ruled in Alicante that the team's keel fin did not meet race rules.

It has so far cost the team four points - meaning they occupy sixth on the leaderboard with five points instead of fifth - but now that bill will stop growing.

In Alicante Brisius suggested the keel would be fitted in either Cape Town or India, but a quick turnaround at the manufacturer's base in northern Italy has seen the task completed well ahead of schedule.

The keel arrived in Cape Town on Sunday, one day before the team crossed the finish line in third place. Skipper Anders Lewander and his team only heard the news when Brisius informed them moments after the boat arrived.

The team's shore manager Herve LeQuillec said that the Nordic team had not sustained any major damage on the 6,500-nautical mile first leg from Spain and the boat will be back on the water next Tuesday or Wednesday.

'The biggest job is to fit the keel and then there is just housekeeping on the boat,' he said. 'Both Ericsson 3 and 4 are in good shape.'

by Volvo media

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Ericsson 3 replace non-compliant keel

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