Those in the western group who headed south earlier are now benefiting from a depression coming off the Argentine coast as it reaches them first. Sam Davis, one of the first to make the southern choice, is one of the beneficiaries and making 16 knots at the last poll, lying 9th and 596 miles behind the leader which is still Apivia making 13 knots. Alex has dropped to 12th, 658 miles behind the leader, but was showing 19 knots. The two boats ahead of him are less than 10 miles in front but both are making over 18 knots.
As this depression moves eastward it will pick up the southern members of the fleet and they will start that headlong rush through the Roaring Forties, known as Running your Easting down in the days of sailing vessels.
Thomas Ruyant in Linked Out has cut away his damaged foil and is still holding second position but 200 miles behind the leader. Since it is his port foil, he will be sacrificing speed when on starboard tack for the rest of his circumnavigation, but is continuing nevertheless. Still holding third place is Jean le Cam in the foil-less Yes we Cam, 354 miles astern of the leader making 14 knots. He has been doing very well but will begin to suffer once the foilers get into the same wind pattern.
These Open 60 boats do not require very high winds to achieve their full potential. In fact high winds build up the seas, and make the passage more uncomfortable and takes more out of the boat. I have always found that about Force 6, (25 knots) blowing from the quarter,(45 degrees from right astern) gave me the best speeds and manageable seas from behind. Much above that and the waves are steeper and the seas breaking. So now we watch to see whether the leader can pick up sufficient wind to hold his lead, knowing that there is a pack chasing from behind with the oncoming depression. The next 24 hours will be fascinating