Lighter winds forecast for final approach to Noumea.

8:58 AM Tue 30 Jun 2009 GMT

'Race positions as at 2200hrs on 30 June 2009. Limit leads from V5 with Lion NZ in third' Click Here to view large photo

Royal Akarana Yacht Club's Tash Paget reports from the Auckland - Noumea race finish at Nouma.

Latest race updates from Noumea:
The breeze and conditions are now much more favourable for the fleet as they get closer to the pacific islands. Good weather and tail winds are expected for the rest of the race, so the sailors and boats will have a good chance to dry out before they reach the finish,

Here are the updates from Tuesday 30 June, 2009

1930hours - Tuesday 30 June, 2009

Limit is 300 miles from the finish line in Noumea, with V5 chasing hard behind only 80 miles back. Both are still in good breeze but the forecast is predicting winds will lighten as they get closer to Noumea with the centre of a high sitting over New Caledonia in 24hours time.

The rest of the fleet are still on the edge of the low and are making good speed on the front of the fleet.

1900hours - Tuesday 30 June 2009

The fleet are enjoying improving conditions, with westerly 20 knot winds. They have been warned to keep a watch out for a frigate which is steaming south towards the yacht Carenza, which is in distress some way to the east of the fleet.

1530hours - Tuesday 30 June, 2009

Route 66 reported this morning that they were doing 7 knots under jib in 25 to 40 knot winds from the beam.

1500hours - Tuesday 30 June, 2009

Limit is over half way to Noumea now, with speeds averaging 15knots and tail winds, she is expected in Noumea by tomorrow afternoon.

The three boats who sat out a day's racing, are catching up to the rest of the fleet.

by Tash Paget