The field continues to sail with the wind from port to south-east, well east of the ideal line. Team Brunel was able to maintain the lead, but the lead melted from almost 100 nautical miles to around 50 yesterday. The race tracker even only showed 30, but this is because it calculates the distance to the next waypoint. However, as the field is sailing diagonally to the waypoint and not straight towards it, this display is not entirely practical.
According to the tracker, the lead was only 28 nautical miles at midday today. Team Brunel had parked in the doldrums with a speed of only one knot in the current report and the pursuers were catching up dramatically.
Following almost exactly in Team Brunel's wake is Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. The team has steadily pulled away from the other four and is now safely in second place. Team Alvimedica in third place is also in Abu Dhabi's wake.
Analysing the current situation
These three boats form a group that is furthest to the south-west. The three chasing boats are sailing more to the east, which is also where Mapfre recently orientated itself.
According to the race report, there should be more wind in the east. As the wind died down, it also shifted significantly to the right at the front. After initially heading south, Brunel reacted by turning to the east, away from the racing line and towards the wind.
The last of the field, Dongfeng Race Team, was still travelling at around 13 knots at the same time and had made up 39 nautical miles in just three hours. It could hardly have been more exciting.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
