Race to Miami 'closer than ever' in Volvo Ocean Race

Nerves were jangling louder than ever among the crews as Groupama hauled back Telefonica to take over third place in a move that threatened to throw on Leg 6 wide open. Audio interview

The decision to dive west inside the Turks and Caicos Islands was 'a bit risky, ' said the Groupama helmsman Charles Caurdrelier, but one that could prove very valuable at the end of Leg 6. Yann Riou Show more

Nerves were jangling louder than ever among the Volvo Ocean Race crews as Groupama hauled back Telefonica to take over third place in a move that threatened to throw on Leg 6 wide open.

At the front, Puma's long-held lead on the leg from Brazil to Miami was under increasing threat from a resurgent Camper as the teams plotted their routes through the Bahamas, trying to avoid windless areas over a tortuous final 450 nautical miles.

It will be a nail-biting final 48 hours for all concerned, with the two separate battles likely to have huge consequences on the overall race situation.

"It's closer than ever," said Tom Addis, the Puma navigator, as Camper appeared over the horizon for the first time in several days.

Puma were eight miles ahead of Camper last night with around 250nm to go to the final waypoint at the island of Eleuthera.

A second successive leg win for Ken Read's in-form Puma crew would move them within reach of overall leaders Telefonica, second-placed Camper and third-placed Groupama - but victory is far from assured.

Telefonica's primary goal on Leg 6 is to finish ahead of Groupama to extend their 16-point lead over their closest challengers but Groupama's decision to dive west inside the Turks and Caicos Islands eased them just ahead of their rivals.

"This option is a bit risky, as we're moving away from the normal route, but it could also be very valuable," Charles Caudrelier, the Groupama helmsman, said. "The leaders could get stuck in no wind and this could be our chance to catch up."

Their speedy comeback is a worry for Telefonica, who were desperately trying to get back up to speed after being snared by a wind hole to the east of the fleet.

"Things haven't gone how we wanted them to and we're becalmed, watching the boats we've been scrapping with for so long get away from us," the media crew member Diego Fructuoso said. "On top of that, the boats behind us are getting closer without us being able to do anything about it."

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing were back within 100 miles of the leaders yesterday, opting not to follow Groupama on their westerly route.

"It is more fun separating from Groupama than following in their wake," Ian Walker, the skipper, said. "The fleet is compressing as the leaders sail into light winds first which should add to the drama as the leg finish approaches."

The first boats are expected to arrive in Miami around noon UTC tomorrow.

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