The leading group are through the Doldrums, or squall ally, and making good speeds south. The boats further back look like they will run into much calmer winds when they get to the ITCZ which will spread the fleet out more. It's pretty depressing when you see the leaders getting more favourable winds and there is nothing you can do about it.
Thomas Ruyant is showing 22 miles behind Alex and is sailing faster this morning, but he is further east so this will show him closer to the ideal route.
Alex will be feeling the backing of the wind now as it comes round to a more favourable direction for him, from east south east more towards the east. His average course has come round nearer to due south as a result as he comes level with the easternmost point of Brazil.
He has some keep competition though in Ruyant, currently sailing faster, and there are a couple more within 100 miles astern. At 20 knots, 100 miles is a mere 5 hours away!
Ahead of the fleet, the South Atlantic High Pressure system, also known as the St Helena High, is establishing itself with a ridge of high pressure extending across their direct route. This is going to give all the sailors an interesting problem. But ocean sailing has always been chess with pull-ups, and this will be a serious chess bit.
For those who have a weather system app, such as Windy, you can see what is coming.
Sam Davis is in 9th, 246 miles astern of Alex, but holding up well.