Tyco and Assa Abloy are fighting for the lead within a mile of each other blasting along at full speed toward Australia.

While the downwind Southern Ocean roller-coaster ride is giving crews a good run for their money they have the added concern about icebergs, some of which have already been spotted this morning.

djuice dragons is flying along at 29.1 knots in fifth place while SEB, in a vulnerable third position just three miles ahead of Amer Sport One, is unsure which track to take to gain the best advantage: If we sail higher to the wind,’ said Gunnar Krantz, ‘we slow down, if we sail low and keep speed up we sail more out of the lift.’

Illbruck is still sacrificing speed for a better long-term position, diving south, while Amer Sports Too has decided for speed on the most northerly route. News Corp to the south is aware of the iceberg situation and is trying to get back in contact with the fleet.

Position Report, Day 4, 0956 GMT

1 TYCO

2 AART

3 TSEB ( 7 miles from leader)

4 AONE (11 miles from leader)

5 DJCE (12 miles from leader)

6 ILBK (30 miles from leader)

7 ATOO (34 miles from leader)

8 NEWS (49 miles from leader)