The strategic decision on board "Guyot" not to chase the leading boats did not pay off. Skipper Benjamin Dutreux, co-skipper Robert Stanjek, Annie Lush and Phillip Kasüske had made their way closer to the African coast and through the Canary Islands. The fact that they were 185 nautical miles behind the leaders certainly fuelled the risky decision. Instead of catching up with the field, however, the gap grew to over 290 nautical miles. It is just under 80 nautical miles to the fourth-placed "Biotherm", but the team will have to put in a perfect final sprint to catch up with them, provided the competitor does not suffer any damage.
Arrival at the finish expected tonight
Meanwhile, the leading trio of Team Holcim - PRB, 11th Hour Racing Team and Team Malizia have pulled away somewhat. The German team in particular has had a successful few hours. Yesterday they were still 100 nautical miles behind, but have now reduced this to half that. Top favourite "11th Hour Racing" in particular is within striking distance with a lead of just 15 nautical miles and over 300 nautical miles still to sail. At the same time, the lead over "Biotherm" has grown - the ideal starting position for an exciting finale for the podium places. However, they were still a little cautious as they wanted to try out the new foils, said Nico Lunven.
The first Imocas are expected to arrive in Cape Verde as early as tonight. The first VO65s will reach the finish a little later, with the two leaders WindWhisper Racing Team and Mirpuri Foundation Racing Team even ahead of the Imocas "Biotherm" and "Guyot" bringing up the rear.
