According to the latest report from the organisers of the Azores and Back Yacht Race (AZAB), south-westerly winds reaching gale Force 8 yesterday hampered the headway of the remaining fleet yet to finish the first 1,220-mile leg.

Twenty-one of the 50 yachts which started from Plymouth on 1 June have now arrived at Ponta Delgada, and it is anticipated that at least another 18 yachts will cross the finish line today.

Strong winds are predicted to continue over the Azores sea area for the next few days.