Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand became becalmed on the Malaysian coast this afternoon losing the hard-earned miles clawed back earlier in the day.
As race leaders Telefonica, Groupama and Puma found better breeze offshore and were able to maintain average speeds of 10-12 knots, Camper along with Abu Dhabi were in trouble closer inshore, barely able to maintain 2-3 knots.
Several lead changes had occurred in the Malacca Straits with Camper, Groupama, Puma and Telefonica leading at times.
As Camper’s crew were trying desperately to stem the losses, ashore Emirates Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton was glued to the live position reports: 'Maybe it will come right this leg but they will need luck rather than skill at this point.
'With the boats in the Straits there are position reports every minute, so it has been easier to analyse decisions and they’re not getting it right.
'I am sure that all on board are working hard to execute the calls just as I’m sure that all on board are as frustrated as we are. As a team we all expect better than this.'
The 5pm (NZ) position report shows the leading three yachts (Telefonica, Groupama and Puma) still in better breeze and all within 5.8 nautical miles.
Camper is fourth 30.7 miles behind Telefonica. Abu Dhabi is at 31.7 miles.
Editor's Note: Since this report was filed, Emirates Team NZ's speed has picked up to over 8kts as she moved down the coast of Malaysia, closely followed by Abu Dhabi, however the two have to get across the Strait of Mallacca to get around the first waypoint. Meanwhile Groupama, Telefonica and Puma are in a pack at the head of the fleet and shooting away at 14-15kts.
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