The battle for second place on Leg 7 of the Volvo Ocean Race continues this afternoon with Ericsson and Pirates of the Caribbean neck and neck (14 miles) as they approach the scoring gate at Lizard Point.

Meanwhile at the head of the fleet by nearly 200 miles ABN AMRO One has passed the Lizard scoring gate and collected another 3.5 points. The conditions have eased slightly, down to 24 kts, but Mike Sanderson and team are still blasting downwind at 19kts in mid Channel, 25 miles from Start Point.

ABN AMRO’s estimated time of arrival across the finish line at Gilkicker Point will be around midnight tonight.