The leading group in the The Trophee BPE which started on 25 March from Belle Ile en Mer is now approaching the final stages of the race in Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe.

Thomas Rouxel on Defi Mousquetaires currently holds the lead with just over 700 miles to go but hot on his heels – just over one nautical mile astern – sailing Bostik is Charles Caudrelier. But the one to watch right now is Liz Wardley on Sojasun who’s taken the northern option on the approach to Guadeloupe.

Twenty-five year old Wardley who was born in born in Papouasia New Guinea, is currently signed up on the Solitaire du Figaro circuit with an aim to compete in the 2008 Vendee Globe.

With much experience under her belt including a class win in 1999 Sydney Hobart race, and bowman for the Southern Ocean leg during the Volvo Ocean Race all girls boat, and now a top position in the Trophee BPE in a 27-strong fleet, Wardley is certainly one to watch out for during the next couple of seasons.

The first boats should start to arrive across the finish line in Guadeloupe sometime on Saturday evening or Sunday morning.