2.15pm
Swiss yachtsman Bernard Stamm set an unofficial solo monohull trans-Atlantic record when winning the first leg of the Around Alone race from New York to Torbay in England.
Sailing Bobst Group Armor Lux, Stamm looked tired but jubilant as he waved to crowds at the docks to welcome him earlier today.
His
unofficial trans-Atlantic record, sailing from Ambrose Point to Lizard Point, was 10 days, 11 hours, 57 minutes and 19 seconds.
In second place and expected to cross the finishing line about midday today was Thierry Dubois on board Solidaires.
Hexagon skipper Graham Dalton, of New Zealand, had slipped back a place and by 5am today was fifth, with 500 nautical miles left to sail.
His chances of finishing third on the water plummeted when he lost the battens from his mainsail and he is now anticipating reaching Torbay late Sunday or Monday.
Dalton said that by the time he crossed the finishing line, he would have sailed six days on headsail only.
"It is such a shame but I've been working the windshifts to our best advantage based on the sails I have to work with."
The remainder of the fleet is still strung out across the Atlantic.
- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES
