The leading Yachts in the Volvo Ocean Race are still playing nip and tuck as they approach the north-east corner of Brazil en route to Miami. Assa Abloy,who was lead boat until midday yesterday, has dropped to third place, one mile behind illbruck in second place, with Team Tyco in the lead, another five miles ahead. SEB, much to her relief has relinquished the wooden spoon to Amer Sports Too, who is 58 miles behind the leader.

The fleet is now staying close inshore, no doubt hoping to pick up that branch of the South Equatorial Current which, at this time of the year sets north near to the coast at a rate of half a knot. Once round the corner they can take advantage of the Guiana Current which sets north-west along the coast at a rate of 1-1.5 knots.

Position Report, Day 7, 0406 GMT

1 TYCO

2 ILBK (5 miles from leader)

3 AART (6 miles from leader)

4 NEWS (33 miles from leader)

5 DJCE (53 miles from leader)

6 TSEB (53 miles from leader)

7 AONE (54 miles from leader)

8 ATOO (58 miles from leader)