The VOR fleet has finally met the big winds in the Southern Ocean. Having drifted their way south through the high pressure system yesterday, the south-westerly wind kicked in at about 0300 this morning and the fleet is now on an easterly track towards Australia. Early records show that Assa Abloy is reaching 24.5 knots of SEB and Amer Sport One on 21 knots.

Tyco still holds a slim lead over Assa Abloy and the following three yachts but the race is clearly on to find out the fastest downwind flyer in these rough, tough, surfing conditions.

Position Report, Day 4, 0400 GMT

1 TYCO

2 AART 1 mile from leader)

3 TSEB ( 4 miles from leader)

4 AONE (8 miles from leader)

5 DJCE 10 miles from leader)

6 ILBK (20 miles from leader)

7 ATOO (25 miles from leader)

8 NEWS (41 miles from leader)