Race 4, Day 22: Light winds frustrate as remaining teams battle to Albany Finish Line.

The podium may have been decided but the remaining positions in Race 4 are of no less importance to the teams still battling it out to claim them. However, with the weather providing challenges right to the very end, the front of the remaining teams are finding the final miles a challenge.  

Switzerland skipper Vicky Ellis says nerves are frayed as her team operate Stealth Mode for their final push: “It’s going to be another gripping end to an ocean race as we try and hold onto our position from the advancing fleet behind, who are arriving in with good winds from the low pressure system behind them. “

Invest Africa spent the previous 36 hours becalmed with skipper Rich Gould this morning sounding relieved, eventually being able to remark: “Finally, finally, finally, just as I was about to sit down and write this blog the breeze appeared.  Its light and it’s from a rubbish direction, but right now I don’t care! For the first time in 36 hours we have got Invest Africa moving properly. It has been soul destroying out here, being so close yet not getting any closer.” 

PSP Logistics also found itself in very light winds yesterday, crossing just eight miles in six hours at one point during their Stealth Mode period that had skipper Chris Hollis commenting: “We desperately need to finish fifth to keep in touch with the top four boat boats in overall standings. A very mentally tough and draining way to finish one of the toughest sailing experiences of my life. 150 miles to go at the time of writing this. On another record breaking note, maybe we have also set the record for the fast boat in 24 hours and the slowest boat in 24 hours in one race!”

Switzerland and Jamaica Get All Right are operating in Stealth Mode until 18:00 UTC.

At 10:41 UTC yesterday, 25 November, OneDLL claimed the third and final podium position of Race 4. Qingdao crossed the line later last night in fourth place at 21:37 UTC.  For the latest estimated times of arrival for the rest of the fleet click here

For the Race 4 Race Viewer, click here

To read the skipper reports, click here