Movistar has just taken the narrowest of leads ahead of ABN AMRO ONE on the third leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, with only 70 miles to go to the finish in Wellington. ONE had led from soon after the start although Movistar was always in contention. However, when the wind dropped it confirmed yet again that the ‘fat boat’ is sticky in light airs and the narrower Farr boat has eased ahead by a mile.

Behind them the Pirates are just 15 miles back, followed by Brasil, AMRO TWO and Ericsson trailing the fleet. Given that Ericsson, skippered by Neil MacDonald, came from the same mould as Pirates and has more time on the water it makes one wonder whether they have a problem.

The boats will be in Wellington for just 48 hours before setting out to Rio on leg 4. If any work is done on the boats or stores and spares taken on board a two hour penalty will be imposed.