The VOR boats are now sailing in slightly less wind which is a welcome respite for the crews who have described the sailing conditions as heinous, with sails blowing out and damage a regular and predictable occurrence.

After 12 days of hard racing, the leading pack are just 26 miles apart with SEB choosing the most northerly and direct route some 86 miles north of illbruck who is still in the south. Assa Abloy has picked up speed over the last six hours and is lying in equal second. Lisa McDonald and her crew onboard Amer Sports Too continue to average over 14 knots, still benefiting from the heavier air, but still some 582 nm off the leaders.

Meanwhile, Keith Kilpatrick onboard Grant Dalton’s Amer Sports One is reported to be stable and Dalton and his crew are now awaiting the arrival of the RAAF aircraft later today which will drop off essential medical supplies.

Position Report, Day 12, 1000 GMT

1 TSEB

2 AART (16 miles behind leader)

3 ILBK (16 miles behind leader)

4 NEWS (25 miles behind leader)

5 DJCE (26 miles behind leader)

6 AONE (185 miles behind leader)

7 ATOO (582 miles behind leader)

8 TYCO (rtd)