HAMPSHIRE sailor Ian Walker’s Abu Dhabi Racing team leads the way in the second leg of the Volvo Ocean Race.

Walker’s Azzam yacht has opened up a 6.2 mile advantage over second place Team Brunel with Dongfenf Race Team in third by just 0.2 miles.

The three yachts are well ahead of the rest of the pack, with fourth-placed Team Alvimedica 111 miles off the lead after diverting to help with the rescue of Team Vestas Wind.

The Danish team have suspended racing after their yacht ran aground on a reef on Sunday.

With more than 2,400 miles to the line in Abu Dhabi, there’s still plenty of racing to go before the expected December 12-13 finish.