UPDATES: IMOCAs race into Kiel Fly By -- VO65s are speeding towards The Hague

Refresh this page for updates throughout the day Friday

Read our HOW TO FOLLOW guide for the Kiel Fly By

Check the position of the IMOCA and VO65 fleets on the RACE TRACKER

1640 local time -- After a tricky start and a long light wind night in which all five of the IMOCAs put in gybe after gybe on their route south to Kiel, the breeze started to build on the approach to the turning mark off the city. At least it did for 11th Hour Racing Team who managed to hook into a decent easterly breeze and head towards the city at speeds well into 20knots.
Behind them the remaining four had much lighter conditions as they attempted to make their approach to the city. Holcim PRB managed to keep their pace but the threesome of Biotherm, GUYOT Environnement and Team Malizia were having a much tougher time with lighter more shifty breeze.
Once in confines of the fijord 11th Hour Racing Team had to put in gybe after gybe to work their way downwind. But as they did they were still keeping a better pace than their competitors and they approached the mark over 8 nautical miles ahead.
As Charlie Enright’s team furled their code zero, deployed the J3 headsail and rounded the mark their speed dropped to 12 knots as they started their upwind leg to exit the fjord.
Just over seven miles behind them Holcim PRB were sailing at over 20 knots and closing down the distance as they headed towards the turning mark. As expected, the race was closing up, at least between the two front runners.

1625 local time -- It's Charlie Enright's 11th Hour Racing Team who have made it into the centre of the city via the Kiel Fjord and made the turn and the mark. They are now heading back out to sea, while the rest of the fleet begins its run in.

1535 local time -- There is good space between the boats in the fleet with 11th Hour Racing Team about to head into the Fjord. 

1515 local time -- The live coverage on Eurosport.com has started. Find the blog here and scroll down to the live player embedded in the blog. You can choose your language of commentary in the top right hand corner.

1445 local time -- 11th Hour Racing Team is visible from the lighthouse now and will be entering the Fjord soon. It is approximatelly 9 nautical miles from the the lighthouse to the turning mark. 

1400 local time -- No additional course changes necessary and we are still on target to have the leading IMOCA - 11th Hour Racing Team - enter the Kiel Fjord just after 1500 local time. The Ocean Live Park is buzzing and there is great anticipation to welcome The Ocean Race, and especially the local heroes on board Team Malizia and GUYOT environnement-Team Europe.

“Coming to Kiel is very special,” said Malizia skipper Boris Herrmann. “I used to live in Kiel, I finished my studies there, I sailed and trained a lot there, so I have a great connection to the city. I also experienced The Ocean Race myself there in 2002 with the legendary victory of the Illbruck. I was on the water and remember that day as if it was yesterday. Racing into the Kieler Innenförde with my team and boat, after having sailed around the world, and seeing the many fans expected there is something I am really looking forward to.” 

1300 local time -- The speeds are increasing on board the IMOCAs so the Race Committee is likely to add an additional short loop in the race course, outside the Fjord, to ensure the arrival time fits within the 1500-1700 safety period, when commercial traffic in the Kiel Fjord has been closed. 

1130 local time -- It's a perfect day in Kiel for the Friday Fly By. The sun is out and the forecast is for wind in the 12-15 knot range. The IMOCA fleet will do a short a reaching leg to ensure their arrival time at the Kiel Lighthouse and the entrance to the Fjord is close to 1500 local time. Crowds are already coming down to enjoy the weather and the spectacle in Ocean Live Park.
11th Hour Racing Team has managed to hold on to their lead overnight, following the leg start from Aarhus on Thursday evening. But Team Holcim-PRB remains close behind. 
In the VO65 fleet, it's WindWhisper who are leading the fleet around the Norway turning mark off Langesund. Mirpuri/Trifork is hot on their heels as the fleet enjoys fast reaching conditions down the southwest coast of Norway.