Over the last few hours, illbruck has extended her lead to 40 miles

The Volvo Ocean Race yachts have technically, completed their circumnavigation of the world having crossed their outbound tracks and completed over 31,000 miles since the start last September.

Despite the fact that illbruck appears to be uncatchable as leader of this leg, and probably of the overall race, the crews continue to sail their yachts to the limits of their abilities.

Illbruck is now 40 miles ahead of her nearest rival, Assa Abloy, but all boats with the exception of Djuice, have caught up a few miles in the last six hours. The closest battle continues to be between Amer Sports 1 and SEB, the latter being just six miles ahead, and no quarter given!

Position Report, Day 12, 0408 GMT

1 ILBK

2 AART (40 miles from leader)

3 TYCO (48 miles from leader)

4 TSEB (71 miles from leader)

5 AONE (77 miles from leader)

6 NEWS (93 miles from leader)

7 DJCE (95 miles from leader)

8 ATOO (rtd with broken mast)