A Game of Tactics

Once again illbruck is one of the few yachts that has managed to make gains on the rest of the fleet in the Volvo Ocean Race. Pulling even further ahead of her closest rivals she has extended her lead to 28 nautical miles.

The only other yacht to make significant gains is Tyco in third place, not only has she made a few miles on the leaders, but has also closed the gap to second place. Only four miles now separates Tyco and ASSA ABLOY. Further back it is the same story with Amer Sports One, still loosing out to all around her, so much so that she has fallen into seventh position behind djuice.

The changes in fleet could be attributed to the navigators tactics. They have had to decide between heading further north and aiming to get above the high-pressure system sitting in the Atlantic, and into stronger winds, or taking a more direct route and hoping to do as well by sailing fewer miles to La Rochelle. We will see in a few days, which tactical decisions have paid off. It would appear that illbruck, ASSA ABLOY and Tyco, have all taken the decision of heading north, whilst the rest of the fleet have opted for the more direct route.

Amer Sports Too is due to arrive in Halifax in the next few minutes; she has made good progress during the last few hours having, and should be reaching the safety of the port now.

Volvo Ocean Race Position Report, Day 7, 0409 GMT