Having taken the lead and crossed the Hobart finish line at the front of the VOR fleet, ASSA ABLOY restarted the third leg after a short pitstop in 10 to 15 knots breeze.

Less than 25 minutes later Amer Sports One unfurled her big Code 0 sail right at the start to follow ASSA ABLOY, already hitting the horizon. As the wind had slightly increased, all ballast tanks were filled with water. Another three minutes later Tyco crossed the line, starting under genoa, unfurling their Code 0 half a minute later. As the wind has gone slightly further to the right they should be able to clear Cape Raoul without needing to tack.

Within five minutes the next pack of three yachts started around 0300 GMT. Fourth placed djuice led this group, followed by News Corp and illbruck. The last two started a minute apart and were immediately locked in a tight match race as illbruck tried to regain one place. The wind went back slightly and Amer Sports One was the first yacht to tack, while ASSA ABLOY had already cleared the land and vanished under the horizon.

As soon as these six yachts have cleared the line, a red spinnaker appeared on the horizon, announcing Amer Sports Too’s final approach to Hobart. The girls have picked up parts for their broken headstay at Triabunna on the east coast of Tasmania.

Now, 40 miles east of Tasman Island, the battle for the lead continues as close as it can be. In strong north-westerlies the crews are pushing their boats hard to the east at 15 knots. It will be crucial for the outcome of this leg to reach Cape Reigna, the northern tip of New Zealand in first position. News Corp and illbruck could gain slightly on ASSA ABLOY who is sailing the most northerly route.

These wind is generated by a low-pressure system that developed rapidly as Mark Rudiger from ASSA ABLOY wrote: “the barometer has gone from 1001 down to 994 in 6 hours! Batten down the hatches, rough night ahead.” A high pressure developing and extending north of New Zealand will deflect the low to the south-east and the navigators will have to route through variable winds after finishing their high speed ride.

Position Report, Day 4, 0956 GMT

1 AART

2 AONE

3 TYCO

4 DJCE

5 NEWS

6 ILBK

7 ATOO

8 TSEB Retired