V5 Racing continues to dominate, leading the fleet and making steady progress at 6.8 knots with just over 70 nautical miles to go. The New Zealand boat is holding first for Line Honours, second in IRC 1, and 16th overall on IRC corrected time. Despite earlier issues with its hydraulic keel — a known vulnerability — the crew reports confidence and control as they aim to reach Nouméa by this evening.
BNC – my::NET has surged to the top of the IRC standings, now ranked first overall in corrected time. Their line honours position has dropped to sixth, but their IRC strategy is paying off. Earlier frustrations over tactical missteps and light air have been replaced with renewed focus heading into the final stretch.
Racing, rescues and rivalries: New Caledonia Groupama race heats up
One of the most significant developments was the retirement of BCI Brer Fox. Yesterday they reported two-thirds of their mainsail torn. Despite initial hopes to continue in a reduced configuration, the sail gave out completely. The decision to retire — while difficult — was prudent. The crew is now safely motoring toward Koumac.
Other boats have reported mixed fortunes. Arearea overcame a torn sail with some onboard sewing and continues to sail strongly, despite only having Iridium-based weather data. Muleque, sailing with a skeleton crew of three, is navigating the Grand Passage steadily with rotating helmsmen to conserve energy. Spirits on both boats remain high.
In the mid-fleet, the Caledonian Sydney 38s — Young Guns, Poulpito, Guilty Pleasures, and BNC — are locked in a close tactical battle. Young Guns excelled on the downwind leg but now faces stiffer challenges upwind. Guilty and Poulpito are trading gybes in an IRC showdown, with only narrow tactical calls separating them.
Further back, Blue Sailing Team, Party Time, and Boudicea report minor sail damage and some seasickness among crews, but morale remains high. In a quieter update, Girouette took shelter in the lagoon after a punishing leg to rest and regroup, underscoring just how taxing the race has been.
The success of the Rushour rescue earlier still resonates strongly across the fleet. With Brer Fox’s retirement and ongoing technical issues on other boats, the event has underlined the need for caution and adaptability.
With the leaders bearing down on Nouméa and the IRC battle tightening, the final few hours promise high drama and no shortage of hard-fought sailing.
