A look at the final stages of leg 4 as the fleet approaches Rio

It’s hard to believe that after 7,000 miles and three weeks at sea the top five boats in the VOR are just 30 miles apart. illbruck is still currently leading the race but in the light airs and strong south-going tidal stream off the Brazilian coast, there is still ample time for Amer Sports One or Assa Abloy who are just 27 miles astern, to take advantage and clinch the fourth leg victory.

While it would be disappointing for illbruck to lose control in the final stages having led for the majority of the race, it would not be that surprising. Although they are currently leading overall, they are by no means the fastest boat in light airs and it was only when the big winds kicked in during the Southern Ocean stretch to Cape Horn did illbruck show her true colours. Thankfully for them, the conditions continued for nearly two weeks which enabled them to take a 100-mile lead. Once round the Horn however, and the winds subsided, illbruck’s lead quickly diminished leaving them doing all they could to hold off the ever-pursuing Amer Sports One.

The tactics on this part of the course heading north to Rio are particularly tricky because not only is the wind light and fluky but there is the added problem of a strong south-going current. illbruck has opted for the middle of the east/west course while Amer Sports One has gone east, further offshore where there is currently fractionally more breeze and less current. If Amer Sports One continues to make substantial gains out to the east, illbruck would do well to keep a loose cover on her rather than sitting in the current further west. The only worry for illbruck then, is losing control of Assa Abloy and Tyco who are out to the west. There is no doubt that whatever happens between now and the finish, crews will be once again testing their racing skills to the limit in what could be the closest finish the VOR has seen so far.

While those at the front of the fleet are engaged in a close battle, News Corp who suffered a broken rudder is struggling to fend off Amer Sports Too for sixth place overall. They still have a 200-mile advantage but with 400 miles to go to Rio they’ll certainly have their work cut out.