The organisers have reason to rejoice: It was blowing at up to 40 knots in the lows, the highest wave height was reported to be up to seven metres, and yet all boats have so far remained intact. The leading group is flying in formation towards France at an average speed of more than 24 knots, and all teams have reported daily times of more than 500 miles, Telefonica even 560.
This is still quite a bit less than the old record of 596 miles set by Ericsson 4 in 2008, but enough for the longest 24-hour distance in the current race and also enough to extend the lead on the water a little.
Now that it's really down to the wire, Telefonica seems to be back to its old form, but Groupama is stubbornly hot on the Spaniards' heels. And this despite a jammed main halyard, which bowman Brad Marsh had to clear in a storm in the masthead, more than 30 metres above deck. Puma is currently in third place, having already put their brightly coloured boat "Mar Mostro" up for sale because the VO70s are being retired.
The wind has died down a little and the track is also a little less bumpy, so the racing continues. The organisers are hoping for an absolute distance record for monohulls before the chequered flag is waved tomorrow in Lorient.
Etmals: Telefonica 560 miles, Groupama and Camper 555 each, Puma 553, Abu Dhabi 539, Sanya 519.
