Bouwe Bekking’s Spanish movistar team have retained the lead of Leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race and are now in a good, consistent breeze that’s allowing them to monopolise on their position.

The superb reaching conditions in the south-easterly trade winds, 100 miles off the coast, is providing a smooth drag race towards Fernando de Noronha. Concentrating on pure boat speed, just 15 miles astern is Paul Cayard and team on Pirates of the Caribbean. They are slightly further to windward and, although in identical wind strength to the leaders, are currently sailing a knot slower.

Mike Sanderson and team on ABN AMRO One have worked their way from sixth to third during the last 24 hours and, although in less wind, they are almost matching The Pirates for speed. An interesting one to watch in the next few hours is Brasil 1 following in virtually an identical track to movistar. They seem to be sailing in their own band of wind and going a knot faster (11kts) than the leader, but 32 miles behind.

Current position

movistar

Pirates of the Caribbean 15 miles from leader

ABN AMRO ONE 25 miles from leader

Ericsson Racing Team 28 miles from leader

Brasil 1 32 miles from leader

ABN AMRO TWO 57 miles from leader