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PRB and Paprec-Virbac 2 have added over 40 miles to their lead over third placed Veolia Environnement over the last 24 hours and nearly twice that over most of the rest of the fleet as well.

The danger for the chasing pack is that the first two boat will hit the Roaring Forties with such a big lead that they roar off one or two full weather systems ahead, making it difficult for the others to stay in touch.

"We don't expect to be able to do too much about it in the short term," said Hugo Boss skipper Alex THOMSON (GBR) today. "They're going to get south first and extend away, but at some point there will be a concertina effect where we'll get closer again."

THOMSON admitted that earlier in his career being in this kind of position would have driven him mad, but he says with more experience, he's become more patient.

Patience was the word of the day on board Mutua Madrileña as well, as Javier SANSÓ (ESP) and Pachi RIVERO (ESP) found themselves nearly becalmed for several hours early this morning. The boat is up to speed again this afternoon, but Sansó says the conditions they are sailing in favour the newer boats.

"The leading boats are better than us, especially when 'reaching' [with the wind from the side of the boat]," he said.

It was an emotional video conference today with the last placed boat, Educación sin Fronteras. Family members were on the chat with both sailors Servanne ESCOFFIER (FRA) and Albert BARGUÉS (ESP), who were surprised and very happy to see and hear from their families. Although the equipment on board makes it possible to email home quite easily, it is rare for the sailors to see and speak with their families on this long race.

Barcelona World Race - http://www.barcelonaworldrace.org