Golding back in the driver's seat

Details sketchy from day one of the Defi Atlantique

Some question marks are being placed on the accuracy of the positions in the Defi Atlantique. However according to the race organisers the 1600GMT position today showed Mike 'I'm just using this race as a qualifier for the Vendee' Golding as the definite leader, already with an 11 hour lead on Jean-Pierre Dick's Transat Jacques Vabre winner, Virbac.

At present the boats are close hauled on port tack in 15-20 knots of breeze, conditions in which Golding's new Ecover proved quick on in the early stages of last month's Transat Jacques Vabre.

While Golding is out in front, those astern are fanned out across the race course with Virbac and PRB out to the right and VMI and Team Cowes on the left.

"I do not see anybody around me," said Golding. "The night was calm - a well established breeze of 15 knots - Perfect conditions. I am really satisfied with my boat. It is easy to manoeuvre. All is well on board "

"I have very little slept," commented Vincent Riou, PRB's skipper. "I remained on the helm almost all night. Manoeuvres singlehanded are so much longer without a crew."

Over the next 48 hours the wind looks to be stronger offshore and will slightly free.

VMI's Sebastien Josse gave his impressions: "These first few hours have been excellent - regular wind, no squalls and the opportunity to get a little sleep. I am under full main and staysail. and trinquette. We're on starboard tack at the moment and it will stay this way until we reach the Doldrums.


Positions at 1600GMT

Pos	Skipper	Boat	Lat	Long	DTF
1	Mike GOLDING	Ecover	S105808	W0361692	3964
2	Jean Pierre DICK	Virbac	S111980	W0361288	3975.3
3	Alex THOMSON	Sill	S111645	W0361767	3976.9
4	Vincent RIOU	PRB	S112372	W0361340	3978.1
5	Sébastien JOSSE	VMI	S111216	W0362376	3978.5
6	Nick MOLONEY	Team Cowes	S110896	W0363006	3979.8
7	Joe SEETEN	Arcelor Dunkerque	S111588	W0362952	3985.2
8	Benoît LEQUIN	Wel.network	S111240	W0363484	3986.6
9	Benoît PARNAUDEAU	Colibri-Charente Maritime	S123008	W0363812	4030.5
10	Anne LIARDET	Gonna-Gitcha	S120760	W0364879	4031.3