So close is the racing out in the mid Atlantic that one blink and there’s a fair chance you’ll miss lead changeover. As the race continues to look more like a dinghy race in the Solent, with the lead swapping and changing at regular intervals, crews are enjoying some of the most tense racing they’ve ever experienced as they head towards the Trade Winds.

Illbruck’s smart move to the east paid handsome dividends last night as she stole the lead from Team Tyco. In the light, tactical conditions, illbruck is continuing to increase her speed and now leads the race by nine miles.

Tyco and Assa Abloy are still tied by a piece of string in their tussle for second, two miles ahead of Amer Sports One.

Wind speeds have increased to around 10-12 knots and should illbruck be the first to reach the trade winds, her lead will be stretched to a sizable advantage in preparation for the notorious doldrums.

Team SEB has split from the fleet and taken a more eastern track. However, in 2 knots less than the leaders, boat speed is being affected. It will be interesting to see how she progresses over the next few hours.

Leg one position report – day 11, 0400hrs GMT

1 ILBK

2 TYCO

3 AART

4 AONE

5 NEWS

6 DJCE

7 TSEB

8 ATOO