An offhore restart looms

As the crews begin their sixth day at sea, the race is more wide open than ever. Neck and neck, 11th Hour Racing and United by the Ocean are locked in a fierce battle for the lead. Behind them, DMG MORI Global One (3rd) and Team Malizia (4th) are still hanging on. And with good reason: all four teams are expected to hit a windless zone in the coming hours, which could dramatically close the gaps. Could it be time for a restart?

It is quite remarkable: after racing flat out across 1,900 miles of the Atlantic for six days, the fleet remains locked in an incredibly close battle, with no clear indication of who will ultimately come out on top. The skippers in The Ocean Race Atlantic are putting on quite a show, demonstrating exceptional skill and remarkable consistency at high speeds, despite the fatigue and relentless demands of racing.

11th Hour Racing vs United by the Ocean: an incredible duel

Driven by a low-pressure system, the fleet has had to endure demanding conditions throughout the weekend, with gusts exceeding 30 knots and heavy seas. Speaking from onboard, several sailors described just how difficult the conditions have been.

“The sea state was terrible and, with the angle of the waves, it was really painful,” said Francesca Clapcich (11th Hour Racing). “It takes more mental energy than physical energy.”

“Sometimes we ease the sheets just to make sure the boat doesn't go over 35 knots and violently bury its bow,” admitted Nicolas Lunven (DMG MORI Global One).

At the front of the fleet, the crew on 11th Hour Racing is under more pressure than ever from United by the Ocean. Paul Meilhat and his team spent all day Sunday steadily reeling in their rivals and their efforts paid off. They are now level with the leaders, sailing less than two miles apart. The lead is changing hands regularly, with first 11th Hour Racing and then United by the Ocean taking the advantage in what has become a relentless battle.

The chasing pack hangs on and could be closing in

Further back, nobody is giving an inch. DMG MORI Global One, currently third, is 25 miles behind the leaders and positioned slightly further south. Team Malizia, in fourth, is also beginning a fight back despite a string of hurdles to overcome.

After suffering damage to their port foil two days ago, they also had to deal with an autopilot failure as gusts approached 40 knots. This morning, they were 57 miles west of the two leaders and are expected to make several manoeuvres to reposition themselves before entering the lighter winds ahead.

The wind is forecast to ease, and it will take plenty of determination to keep making progress in the light conditions. The leading boats have already begun to slow, with just 11 knots of wind for 11th Hour Racing, compared with 18.5 knots for Team Malizia.

The four leading crews are likely to find themselves bunching back together. Paul Meilhat (United by the Ocean) mentioned the possibility yesterday: “We’re definitely going to end up in a windless zone that could close the gaps.”

Ever the fierce competitor, he spoke about the prospect with unmistakable enthusiasm: “Boris (Herrmann) can come back, which means the race is really wide open… It’s possible we could all arrive in Lorient together!”

Embrace the Challenge and MSIG Europe dig deep

More than 350 miles behind, the two boats at the back of the fleet, Embrace the Challenge (5th) and MSIG Europe (6th), are also working their way around an area of lighter winds. Here too, the crews have had to cope with their share of problems in recent days.

Oliver Heer and his team have been handicapped since their mainsail tore yesterday. Throughout Sunday, they worked on repairs, with the highly experienced Liz Wardley explaining that she would have to “spend the whole day inside the boom bag," stiching and glueing a repair.

On MSIG Europe light winds and an especially uncomfortable westerly swell have tested the team.

“I feel like I’m suffering along with the boat,” sighed Conrad Colman.

However, Conrad and his teammates will still have a chance to shine in the “Super Sprint”, which rewards the fastest team over a 20-minute period each day from 5:30pm. Three days ago, the crew finished third in this race within the race. Since the start, Team Malizia has won three of the five Super Sprints held so far.

Another round takes place this afternoon, during the OnBoard Live show from 1700 CEST.