STEVEN MANN, Cape Town | Wednesday 4.50pm.
THE 75-foot sloop Zephyrus IV had opened up a big lead over its nearest rival Sagamore in the Cape to Rio yacht regatta on Wednesday, and with just over 500 nautical miles to go to Rio de Janeiro it seems assured of winning the race.
While the two American boats are making good time, most of the rest of the fleet were battling along, as the wind dropped off completely.
“We have had two very, very frustrating days,” Rob Butler, skipper of African Satellite Second Wind, said in an interview via satellite telephone.
However the wind had picked up on Wednesday afternoon and the boat is now making good time, he said.
Race spokeswoman Ronelda Visser said Maxtech Wizard is running third on handicap, having overtaken Greenwich Warrior. Africa Group is in fifth place.
The yacht High Noon Environ, which is still 1500 nautical miles from Rio de Janeiro, is even more anxious than the other boats that the wind will pick up.
Two of its crew — Jon Gailbraith and Marion Frost are engaged and hope to be married in Rio on January 31, when they both celebrate their birthdays.
The leading yachts are expected to arrive in Rio de Janeiro on Friday.