Over the last hour, the wind speed has gradually reached a steady plateau of 20 knots, giving ABN AMRO ONE (Mike Sanderson) and ABN AMRO TWO (Sebastien Josse) the conditions they love best. ABN AMRO ONE have managed to catch up by a whopping 6 miles whilst Brunel (Grant Wharington), has slipped 2 miles further behind.

Meanwhile, the leading four boats have been jostling for the front spot, and positions have changed a number of times since the last report. One moment Brasil 1 (Torben Grael) is in front, then Ericsson (Neal McDonald) and then Pirates of the Caribbean (Paul Cayard). It’s a fast paced race to the entrance of the Chesapeake.

Before the boats confront the Atlantic Ocean, the fleet must negotiate the Chesapeake entrance gate which lies 13 miles ahead. This could prove a tricky manoeuvre if the wind swings round to the east.

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