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Some boats have opted to use small fans, but Simon FISHER, navigator on ABN AMRO TWO (Sebastien JOSSE), currently in second position, says hes sleeping in the nav station just because there is little more airflow.

The stifling conditions, punctuated by dramatic rain clouds, have meant that at least everyone has been able to enjoy a fresh water shower. These are only short lived as it is only a matter of minutes before a wave comes rolling back from the bow and soaking the crew in salt water again.

Adrienne CAHALAN, navigator on Brasil 1 (Torben GRAEL), still in third place, wrote today, We are now at 6N and so far have passed easily through the ITCZ (inter tropical convergence zone known as the doldrums). We watched ABN AMRO ONE ahead barely skip a beat through and so with that and the satellite pictures; we hope that the last few degrees will not be too painful passing this notorious normal area of calms.

This afternoon, all boats in the racing fleet have been chipping away at ABN AMRO ONEs lead, but her nearest rival, ABN AMRO TWO, is still 66 nm behind her. Brasil 1 is 80nm behind and Ericsson (Neal MCDONALD) in fourth, is 89nm behind. Sunergy and Friends are still making reasonable speed but are now 982 nm behind ABN AMRO ONE, as they get to grips with their new racing machine.

It is has been another great 24 hours onboard ABN AMRO TWO, writes navigator Simon FISHER. Our efforts were finally rewarded yesterday evening when we managed to get past Brasil 1 and into second place spot. However, I am sure that holding this place will be as hard, or harder, to keep than it was to gain in the first place so there is no relaxing,

Thoughts onboard have been turning to the imminent crossing of the equator and the ceremonies planned for those onboard who have not crossed it before. Onboard Brasil 1, everyone has, allegedly, done so, therefore there is no need for a special ceremony. Not to be out done, the crew has suggested that they should have at least some kind of ceremony for the only girl onboard. Adrienne is not in favour of this. Can you blame her?

Now back in Denmark, the skipper of the damaged movistar, Bouwe BEKKING has had time to reflect. He says the reality has finally hit him hard. In an extract from his message today, he writes, Our navigator was monitoring the wind speed and wind direction continuously and passing on the optimum course to sail. The watch captains were making the right sail calls, and the bowman was executing perfect sail changes in difficult conditions. The helmsman was driving fast, but controlled, and the trimmers were adjusting the sails all the time. Just routine sailing, running our normal watch system. I realise these area my boys, THE BEST TEAM I HAVE EVER SAILED WITH.

LEG ONE DAY 8, 19.11.95, 1600 GMT POSITION REPORT