Melbourne Osaka latest

Rob Kothe of www.sail-world.com brings us up to speed

Argos satellite tracking data this morning showed that the New Zealand sloop Maverick II is back in the lead in the 2003 Melbourne to Osaka race.

This afternoon we discovered the sheep have been helping.

At 5am Maverick II was already 152 miles north east of the Breaksea Spit racon, having enjoyed classic trade wind conditions overnight to break well clear.

Kiwi Skipper Brian Petersen reported by satellite phone this afternoon 'We've clocked up a lot of miles over the last 24 hours, averaging 260 miles per 24 hours for some time now. Carried Code 4 masthead gennaker for a 48 hour stretch, blasting along day and night, top speed only 17.3 knots but high steady average. Bit on the edge at times and this morning breeze increased to 25 knots so we took it down. Had a bit of drama doing so, autopilot rounded up into the wind, gennaker flapping madly from top of mast, fortunately got it all back under control and safely retrieved everything. Now on course with full main and #3 jibtop, and still trucking along. Passed to leeward of the reefs last night and now clear ocean between the Solomon Sea and us. Move on to that chart in 58 miles, about six hours time. Beautiful conditions again, but lots more sheep in the
paddock today (white wave tops).’

At 5am Lulu, leader for the last 48 hours was in second place 80 miles back, with X-Dream and Club Marine Wizard

Plantronics Duo Pro was fifth 108 miles ENE of Breaksea Spit.

Early race leader, Kontrol was 125 miles east of Fraser Island and a forward move is expected from her over the next 24 hours.

At the back of the fleet No Fearr was approaching Cape Byron, after a second stop in this 5,000-mile race. After a stop to repair diesel tanks in Eden, they stopped yesterday in Coffs Harbour to buy a $1.50 electronic part. Having crossed the East Australian current four times so far, she is looking for one last crossing to rejoin the main fleet as they head for New Guinea and New Britain.