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The odds seem to have been stacked against DINELLI since he entered into the Bay of Biscay but finally he looks set to make the pontoons of Port Olonna in the Vendée this weekend. The elements have really been ganging up on him with a vast tongue of high pressure extended out from Ireland down to the Spanish coast. To cross the zone, DINELLI has had to make countless tacks against a particularly shifty easterly wind. The last few hours will be laborious as calms reign at the centre of the ridge. DINELLI is just having to grin and bear it as he holds out for the northerly air flow expected tonight that will propel him as far as the finish.

The scenario to which DINELLI has been witness, should collapse away with the ridge of high pressure, leaving the path clear for Benefic. LEIBOVICI, less than 300 miles from Les Sables d'Olonne, will be able to extend up to the northeast towards the tip of Brittany as she waits for the wind shift. The seas have finally calmed along with the wind. LEIBOVICI is also having to be patient as behind this zone of calms there is a favourable northerly air flow which may well provide her with a last descent to the finish on port tack. LEIBOVICI's ETA for Sunday afternoon is still on the cards.