The South Atlantic High has slowed the two leading boats and the trailing group to the west have picked up some light but favourable northerly winds. These are predicted to back round to the North West This wind should hold and increase as they move further south and into the Roaring Forties.
During the night Alex Thomson, in Hugo Boss, was shown making 18 knots and Sam Davis, 25 miles further from the next Waypoint was making nearly 15 knots, but they have both slowed now. At 0730 this morning Sam has got ahead of Alex by 14 miles due to her more southerly position, but her speed is down to 5.6 knots whilst Alex is making over 12 Knots.
So how much Alex can close the 680 mile gap depends on how quickly the leading boat, Apivia, can get clear of the High Pressure system and the strength of the winds Alex is now beginning to get. Everything to watch.
Thomas Ruyant In second placed Linked In, reports damaging his port foil during the night
Maitre Coq (6th) and Sea Explorer (5th) were match racing in sight of each other 4 miles apart and 500 miles behind the leader. They sent back video of a calm sea and the boats moving along slowly. Lovely for cruising but frustrating when racing.