Slow progress as BT fleet tackle Doldrums

Tactical intrigue as the skippers decide on the best route

Logica, the leading yacht in leg six of the BT Global Challenge has had its lead reduced to just 12 miles having entered the Doldrums to be faced with light winds. Logica's closest rivals Norwich Union managed to capitalise on this and overtook Jeremy Troughton and his crew to lead for a brief period. This reverse was short-lived and Logica is once more in front.
With patchy weather and squalls forecast for the fleet boat speeds are likely to be varied and there could be some interesting place changes in the next few days as the boats tackle this frustrating area of fickle winds at different longitudes. The last three yachts in the fleet - Veritas, Olympic Group and Spirit of Hong Kong are all likely to cross the equator today to join their rivals in the northern hemisphere.

Race Positions
As at 0800 GMT (distance to leader in miles in brackets)

1. Logica
2. Norwich Union (12)
3. Compaq NonStop (26)
4. Isle of Man (29)
5. BP Explorer (82)
6. TeamSpirIT (129)
7. LG Flatron (174)
8. Quadstone (206)
9. Save the Children (256)
10. Veritas (275)
11. Olympic Group (280)
12. Spirit of Hong Kong (308)