With the exception of Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag, the fleet remained close together to the east of the front throughout the night, experiencing light northeasterly winds as they sailed down wind towards Cape Finisterre.
At 0800 UTC, MAPFRE began to break away from the fleet, by sailing more west and committing to sailing through the front in order to reach the new northerly winds that were beginning to form.
The Spanish team’s navigator Joan Vila took himself away from the computer – and being on deck making observations is key for all the navigators during key moments like these.
This investment to the west by MAPFRE was a key moment in the final stage of Leg Zero which put them screaming into the lead three hours later, sailing 50% faster and in more wind than their rivals.
The remainder of the fleet were facing slow upwind conditions associated with the southern extent of the decaying cold front, producing a light westerly airflow. Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag had invested in the west very early on in this leg to find the new northerly wind flow, however this strategy has now placed them much further north and upwind of the fleet.
At 1300 UTC, MAPFRE were leading the way into Cape Finisterre with 340 miles to the finish. The wind will settle in the north with fast downwind sailing along the Portuguese coast all the way to Lisbon.
The Spanish team are clear Leg Zero leaders after three completed stages of four, thanks to two wins and a runner-up spot.
