Charging to the finish in Auckland- Fiji Race

'Auckland -Fiji Race 05 June 2008 - 0800 positions - top four/five.' RNZYS Media

At the 0730hrs radio sked this morning, on what will be the final day of the Auckland to Fiji race, it is apparent from that information and the updated TracPlus information that the finish of the Auckland to Fiji race is being keenly contested, as the lead competitors hit speeds of 20kts.

The screen shots below of the tracking system show that four, and probably five yachts are all in close proximity and are closing fast on the finish line at Musket Cove. Just five miles cover the first three boats who have fanned out in the final charge for the finish. A 16metre downwind sled, Systems Thunder was expecting to finish just after noon today (NZT)

Race leader, Systems Thunder has come back into the equation being the apparent closest to the finish on the graphic - the yacht with the yellow and white striped kite on the right and had 56.7nm to travel to the finish at around 0830hrs this morning. System Thunder is travelling the fastest of the lead group having averaged almost a knot faster over the past 12 hours for an average speed of 14.6 kts - and at the previous sked was reported to be sailing at 18-20kts.

Ran Tan II is the solid yellow spinnaker to port of Systems Thunder and has 63nm to the finish. Just astern is Wired, the Bakewell-White 52 with 69nm to sail to the finish. Ran Tan II reported engine problems and couldn't charge her batteries. The only other dame reported was aboard Revs which had broken a spinnaker pole.

The most westerly yacht of this group is the Cookson 50, Pussy Galore with 76nm to sail to the finish.

All yachts are expected to be sailing in tradewinds and making excellent progress in the race, however a slow start to the race means that the record is very safe.

Not shown in these graphics is another 50fter, V5, which was the overnight race leader, and at the last sked was on the same line as Ran Tan II, but 5nm ahead. On this basis she would be expected to be level pegging for the lead with Systems Thunder on her starboard side - this analysis was proven correct on publication of the latest sked - with V5 in second place on the water, 3nm astern of Systems Thunder.