At 1600 this afternoon, Assa Abloy, the leading yacht in the VOR was just over 18 miles from Cape Reinga.

This should provide the last hurdle for Assa Abloy to maintain her lead on the rest of the fleet and with every hour that the wind holds up, her first place is looking more secure.

Amer Sports One is in a similar situation to maintain her second place, as she is a comfortable distance ahead of the battle between illbruck, News Corp and Tyco. However, should the wind go lighter, this could provide her with the opportunity to reduce the distance on ASSA ABLOY.

Position Report, Day 8, 1548 GMT

1 AART

2 AONE (31 miles from leader)

3 ILBK (80 miles from leader)

4 NEWS (84 miles from leader)

5 TYCO (88 miles from leader)

6 DJCE (137 miles from leader)

7 ATOO (573 miles from leader)

8 TSEB (RTD