Assa Abloy has closed the gap on illbruck, the leading yacht on the fifth leg of the VOR, to just three miles. John Kostecki and crew on board illbruck have reason to be concerned about their vulnerable position with 200 miles to the finish line in Miami.

The leading yachts are currently sailing off Eleuthera in the Bahamas, and are 15 miles south east of Bridge Point at the extreme north of the island. Here they will turn into the North East Providence Channel to begin their final run-in to Miami.

Meanwhile, at the back of the fleet, a similar battle is taking place. Djuice has finally overtaken the girls in Amer Sports Too, after several days of breathing down their necks. Hard fought though their battle has been, the ‘Dragons’ conceded earlier today that: “These girls are pretty tough, and are fighting very well.”

Position report (0400 26 March)

1 ILBK

2 AART (3 miles from leader)

3 TYCO (13 miles from leader)

4 TSEB (61 miles from leader)

5 NEWS (76 miles from leader)

6 AONE (91 miles from leader)

7 DJCE (218 miles from leader)

8 ATOO (221 miles from leader)