We have been racing for a month now, day in day out relentlessly. It always amazes me how our world can shrink into a 72ft box and become our everything for such periods of time. Tied up in the marina with the benefit of freedom to roam, Stelmar is a yacht. Out here in the ocean she is much more: our bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, transport, focus and lifestyle. In Maslow’s teachings of the hierarchy of needs she provides it all: water, food, shelter? and ultimately self-actualisation. That would surely come with a good result on this leg!

As Cape Town draws closer we are locked in battle with Pindar only a few miles separate us. Imagine it. Done are doing a good job out in front and Sark with BP are between us and a much sought after podium place. We have just passed the 1,000nm to go mark and are on port headed towards land. That is a nice thought.

We expect the current 25-30 knots to continue for most of the day before easing and backing to lift us towards Cape Town. As the final days pass it will get very interesting as the wind becomes lighter, we get into the influence of the Agulhas Current (which flows westerly around South Africa) and there will be coastal effect on the wind. Boats will inevitably be separated by hours, possibly even minutes, at the line and we will all be relieved to put the Southern Ocean behind us and enjoy a month in port.

Until then there are miles to be made up. We did not come all this way to ease off in the final mile. We have to keep believing, keep sailing sensibly and keep pushing all the way to the line. The beer will taste better for it. With my brother competing on Pindar, I have the ultimate incentive – sibling rivalry.

Clive Cosby, skipper Team Stelmar