The winds have decreased in strength and are variable which has slowed the progress of the fleet considerably. The forecast is however for the winds to increase in strength but go to the south east over the next couple of days. Despite the lessening winds, Christian Radich (Norway) has held onto her lead overall on corrected time with Cisne Branco (Brazil) in second and Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) back up into third place.

Class B is still being led by Trinovante (UK) on corrected time with Jens Krogh (Denmark) up into second place and Moosk (UK) dropping back to third. The battle for Classes C and D continue apace. Gaudeamus (Poland) has taken back the lead in Class C on corrected time with Black Diamond of Durham (UK) in second and Akela (Russia) third. Rona II (UK) has held onto her lead in Class D on corrected time with Assarain II (the Captains’ Daughters)(UK) remaining in close contention in second and Thyra (Denmark) in third.

Photo: Christian Radich (Norway)

On the water Mir (Russia) still leads with Christian Radich off to the east slightly. Cisne Branco and Cuauhtemoc (Mexico) are catching up behind them. The changing wind conditions should be more favourable to the yachts and the battle on the water between Rona II, Antwerp Flyer (Belgium), Esprit (Germany) and Thyra (Denmark) is becoming fierce with all of them racing to get ahead of the others. Strategically Thyra could be in a better position as she has gone east of the route which could give her an advantage with the forecast wind direction.