Only two n.m. behind are Laurie Ford’s Varta Spirit of Downunder and David Phillips Sydney 38 Hasta La Vista, however Spirit has taken a course some 10 n.m. to the east of the rhumbline.

Three further nautical miles back are Addiction and Archie who are side by side one mile apart.  It would appear to be a good performance by Sally Rattle and her crew in the 35 foot Archie as they head towards their home in Hobart.

The one mile gap is popular with Don Fraser’s Elektra next followed by A Crewed Interest and Plantronics Voyager who are together but a mile apart.

Under Capricorn and Yoko are old time rivals and are currently side by side just a mile behind Plantronics and a mile ahead of the group of three that includes Pilara Affrayed Knot and Icefire.  Jeff Otter in Icefire has gone ten miles to the west.

They are then followed by the big red boat Tevake, Apollonius, Ruthless and Joint Venture with Coogans Stores bring up the rear and dropping off the back of the pack.

The fleet report winds of 20 to 23 knots from the South West and 1 to 1.5 metre seas.

All the fleet are travelling well as they head into their first night of racing.