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Defending the lead in a dying breeze

Monday 27 February 2012, 1:46PM

By Emirates Team New Zealand

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Rob Salthouse winding on the runner on CAMPER.
Rob Salthouse winding on the runner on CAMPER. Credit: Hamish Hooper/CAMPER ETNZ/Volvo Ocean Race
Up in the air - Mike Pammenter doing a rigging check on CAMPER.
Up in the air - Mike Pammenter doing a rigging check on CAMPER. Credit: Hamish Hooper/CAMPER ETNZ/Volvo Ocean Race

On day seven of Leg Four CAMPER with Emirates Team New Zealand has continued to hold first place in a dying breeze but is facing challenges from both north and south.

With a slowly fading breeze and large patches of light air conditions ahead CAMPER is facing a tricky period of racing as Groupama apply pressure from the north and a resurgent Telefonica look to regain the lead from the south.

Overnight Telefonica benefited from taking a more southerly route and slipped into second place 17 nautical miles behind CAMPER. Groupama to the north are 81 miles off the pace.

In the dying conditions the fleet have continued to make their way east in search of the trade winds and for the best route to head south with a few more days sailing expected on the easterly route before making the big turn for Auckland

While making for frustrating sailing the lighter conditions, smother seas and sunny skies have given the crew on CAMPER a much needed opportunity to dry out wet clothing and gear, make some minor repairs and perhaps most importantly discuss the outcomes of the weekends opening Super 15 games.

CAMPER skipper Chris Nicholson says that despite the ever present challenge from Telefonica and Groupama he believes that the team is well positioned.

“We’re in a crucial period at the moment as we’re just trying to sneak through this light wind zone which is tricky to say the least but if we can get it right then we should be in good shape.

“We’re probably in the lightest breeze we will be in right now, for the next couple of days, but once we get into the trades, that will minimise the damage they can do.

“I think we’re going bleed a few miles in this light stuff, but hopefully we’ve got enough in the bank to still wriggle out further to the east and hold them off. We knew we’d have to pay up some time and it’s looking like this is it.”

CAMPER in the latest position report at 1500h 26 February NZT is averaging 10.8 knots in a 8 knot easterly.