Race Update 8: Wednesday 17 September pm

Back markers storm through the fleet!

Strong winds at the rear of the fleet have resulted in a complete change for the Class B, C and D boats.  Far Barcelona (Spain - pictured above) has taken advantage of the conditions and streaked ahead on corrected time to take the lead, followed by Spaniel (Latvia) with Tecla (Netherlands - pictured) coming forward to take third position. 

In the Class A fleet, Sedov (Russia) has taken the lead from Mir (Russia), with Capitan Miranda (Uruguay) remaining in third place, all on corrected time.  Sedov, Mir and Capitan Miranda are also in those respective postions overall. 

On the water, Steppe (Belgium) is way ahead of the fleet, followed by Endeavour (UK).  Mir is in third place with Spaniel and Challenger 4 (UK) neck and neck in fourth place.  Along with Sedov in fifth position, all those above have now passed Waypoint 2. 

Having considered the overnight progress of the fleet and in light of the fact that the slower vessels at the back of the fleet are still some 400 miles from the finish line, the Race Committee have very reluctantly decided to bring forward the race time limit to 0500 GMT 18 September for Class A vessels and 0530 GMT for Class B, C and D vessels. The decision has been taken in order to fulfill Sail Training International's commitment to have the fleet in Ilhavo by midday on 20 September. Although the wind remains north-easterly, they are due to reduce tonight and the fleet's rates of advance under sail tomorrow would slow. The fleet's progress will continue to be tracked until they are all in Ilhavo.

The next report is due to be posted at around 0800 hrs on Thursday.