PUMA and Telefónica closed overnight to within nine nautical miles of leaders Groupama after a day of moderating winds gave the crews a chance to recover from their encounter with tropical storm Alberto the previous day.
In contrast to yesterday’s storm, today has seen pleasant downwind sailing as the remnants of Alberto moved away to the north and the fleet tracked on to the east.
As the wind eased, so did conditions onboard.
Hatches that had been tightly closed were thrown open to air out the boats and the crews have been able to rest and eat, and mentally prepare for the next hurdle -- another low pressure system ahead which could provide exhilarating sailing once more, if the fleet can reach it in time.
“We are quietly slipping along,” reported Groupama skipper Franck Cammas tonight.
“However, the weather is very complicated up ahead. It is hard to know which option we’re going to take as there are a lot of pitfalls in front,” he said, fully aware that the chasing pack would close further on Groupama tonight.
“We are fortunate that everyone is following the same course at the moment,” he added.
Cammas said the French crew were expecting to use the full range of sails onboard Groupama before reaching Lisbon, Portugal.
Tonight the fleet is separated laterally by around 38 nm, with Telefónica taking the high road north to windward of the fleet, while CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand are to leeward, furthest south.
Leaders Groupama are also in the south but under increasing pressure as the chasing fleet continues to make better speed and reel them in further with each position report.
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