Rolex Middle Sea Race: Fight to the Finish

However the 100ft carbon fibre canting keel Maxi is under serious pressure to secure their fourth Line Honours victory in the race.

At dawn this morning, Niklas Zennstrom's Maxi 72, Ran V was just six miles behind Esimit Europa 2 at Pantelleria with 190 miles to go. Esimit Europa 2 is the quicker of the two yachts in a straight line but the wind is now directly behind the two yachts. To maintain the best speed to the finish, both yachts will be continuously gybing to maximise their VMG (Velocity Made Good).

In theory, Ran V is the quicker yacht in this 'short course' battle because the yacht is far more maneuverable than her bigger rival. What is more, this evening a substantial increase in wind speed is expected. This should arrive at Ran’s position first, narrowing the gap on Esimit Europa 2.

This morning in Malta, it is hot and humid with a significant amount of dense cloud, this kind scenario often creates thunderstorms. These cells of high energy can create squalls with a significant wind speed, which the two yachts could hook into. Should Esimit Europa 2 take Line Honours, it will be for the fourth time, which has never been accomplished before but Ran V poses a serious threat.