VOR crews are battling in to 30 knots of wind as they head for the coast of New Zealand. Assa Abloy, the leading boat, has eased the sheets overnight and picked up some speed, positioning herself 65 miles in front of Amer Sports One.

News Corp, Tyco and illbruck continue to have a close race with just four miles between them. Djuice has decided to remain in the south in hope of more wind if/when the rest of the fleet hits a windless spot on the approaches to Auckland. Amer Sports Too is heading further to the north in anticipation of the next wind shift.

Position Report, Day 7, 0350 GMT

1 AART

2 AONE (65 miles from leader)

3 NEWS (138 miles from leader)

4 ILBK (139 miles from leader)

5 TYCO (143 miles from leader)

6 DJCE (167 miles from leader)

7 ATOO (489 miles from leader)

8 TSEB (RTD)