Just after midnight GMT, George David's Rambler was approaching Saba; with Mike Slade's ICAP Leopard 18 miles astern. Rambler 100 was recorded at speeds of over 20 knots for much of the race and are setting a record breaking pace with 450 miles to go. They are also leading the fleet on handicap.
In IRC Zero, Richard Oland's Southern Cross 52, Vela Veloce, leads the class with Richard Matthews' Humphreys 54, Oystercatcher XXVIII, and Brian Benjamin's Carbon Ocean 82, Aegir, leading the chasing pack.
In IRC One, Piet Vroon's Ker 46, Tonnerre de Breskens, is the clear leader on handicap and is fifteen miles ahead of Philippe Falle's Beneteau 50, Hydrocarbon Logic. Andy Middleton's First 47.7, EH01, is third on handicap.
There is an intense battle in IRC Two with the entire class within just five miles of each other on the water. The Army Associations, A 40, British Soldier, leads on handicap from Christian Reynolds, Swan 51, Northern Child, with Peter Hopps First 40.7, Coyote, in third place, after corrected time.
John Burnie commented: "The interesting thing about the leg from the North Sails mark off Barbuda to Nevis is that this year it was dead downwind. This meant that there would have been some big heavy air gybing, which will have tested the fleet's boat handling skills, as well as their tactical awareness."
