The two-man New Zealand team, Telecom Challenge 1 (Maui), crewed by Matt Goodman and Steve Westlake are making a dramatic attempt at beating the existing world record for the Ward Evans Atlantic Rowing Challenge.

At their last satellite reading, 16 November 1605 GMT, they were 88 miles from Barbados. The current record is held by Rob Hamill and the late Phil Stubbs and stands at 41 days 2 hours and 55 minutes.

Steve and Matt’s chances of beating the record are in the balance, and it looks like it will come down to a matter of hours and perhaps even minutes as the New Zealanders try and step up the pace to get to Barbados and beat the record. There’s also another mammoth battle at sea as Telecom Challenge 25 (Whangaroa), the New Zealand’s women’s team, Stephanie Brown and Jude Ellis, battle to regain third place from Team 30: Win Belgium, who overtook them earlier this week. They are the only all female team in the race. Close behind them is Team 19:Comship.com, who are currently leading the British effort in fifth place, manned by Andrew Chapple from Guernsey and Ian Anderson from Jersey.

The latest locations and further race details can be found on www.wearc.com