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Reaching conditions look set to persist as winds strengthen and veer to the east over the next 24 hours. This is good news for the crews who will be hoping the risk of getting caught in the light winds of the doldrums is firmly behind them as BP Explorer crewmember John BASS (GBR) describes, 'we are out of the doldrums, at least we hope so. I remember writing this in a log on the first leg and they moved up behind us to draw us back in again!'

The change to upwind sailing conditions has made a difference to life onboard the yachts as Pindar's Paul SCOTT (GBR) writes, 'there was a sudden frenzy on the foredeck as we changed headsails for the first time in weeks, literally. I think the new members of crew thought we were mad, we were heeled over, getting wet on the bow grinning like Cheshire cats.'

However, the change in conditions may make it more difficult for the teams looking to make gains in the fleet. Imagine It. Done. skipper Dee CAFFARI (GBR) notes, 'apart from pointing and shooting there is little else one can do to go faster. Trimming rotations are in force and everyone is consciously sitting where their weight is most effective. Let's just hope our breeze is better than everyone else's.'

This is reiterated by BP Explorer crewmember BASS who reports: 'we now have two or three days or so of steady north-easterlies. The yellow headsails are up and it's easy sailing. It leaves little opportunity to make great gains on SAIC La Jolla and BG SPIRIT in first and second place but we are creeping up on them.'