March 24, 2006, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – There were testing times for both the competitors and the race committee on day four of the Volvo Extreme 40 Grand Prix Series.

With light winds never exceeding ten knots and dropping to five at times, the competitors had a tough time as the sea breeze never settled in.

Basilica, helmed by Alister Richardson, managed the best day in the testing conditions, scoring a second and a race win to maintain first place overall. Team Basilica, comprising of Richardson, James Grant (GBR), Peter Greenhalgh (GBR) and Jonathan Taylor (GBR), have established a 19 point lead over second placed Motorola – CHR.

Richardson commented: “With a first and a second we have been the winners of today’s racing but it didn’t all go our way. During the second race we ripped our mainsail which did not affect us this time but definitely would have if the races have been continued and had not been cancelled due to lack of wind. So we were lucky. The mainsail can be repaired easily and we look forward for the final races on Sunday.”

There was drama in the second race of the day for Team Volvo Ocean Race who managed to run aground as crew member Greg Homann explained: “As we were underway upwind in the second race we went parallel to Flamengo beach and the boat came to an abrupt stop with a nasty noise due to a collision with a rock. We had to retire immediately and went to port for inspection.”

He continued: “We found the port dagger board smashed at the bottom. Obviously and luckily there is no structural damage to the hull so there is only the dagger board to be replaced. It is good to have a lay day tomorrow so we can make repairs and get the boat fixed for the final day on Sunday.”

Going into the final day of racing, Team Basilica hold the top spot in front of Motorola-CHR. Tommy Hilfiger helmed by Randy Smyth (USA) is in third place, five points in front of Team Holmatro.

Tomorrow will see a lay day for the fleet whilst the Volvo Open 70’s take part in their in-port race. The Volvo Extreme 40’s will be back out in force on Sunday for their final day of the Grand Prix Series in Rio.

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