Final countdown for the fleet

Final countdown for the fleet

Wind conditions and tides could mean a thrilling last dash to the line for the fleet racing into Auckland tonight.

At 13:30 today, Mapfre, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Dongfeng Race Team were close together off North Gable with Team Alvimedica close behind. Some 20nm back, Team Brunel and Team SCA bring up the rear of the fleet.

Tom Touber, Volvo Ocean Race Chief Operating Officer, says it's not going to be a straightforward finish. "There's a fair chance that it will be a relatively quick sail to Rangitoto Island but at the moment it looks like there will then be no wind and the tide is against them.

"The leaders may have to anchor and wait for the tide to turn which will give Team Brunel and Team SCA time to catch up.

"It's possible that from about midnight tonight we may see a breathtaking light breeze battle to the line."

The Auckland Stopover Race Village will remain open through the night to welcome the boats into port.

Please note that these timings are always subject to change. The updated ETA (estimated time of arrival) is available on www.volvooceanrace.com and the Dashboard.

Images and footage of the fleet off the coast of New Zealand are now available on request.

To keep updated on timings for the arrival of the fleet, all media can sign-up for SMS updates.

There will be media boats available for photographers and cameramen looking to cover the finish on the water. If you would like a place on a media boat, please register as soon as possible as spaces are now very limited.

Sign up for SMS updates and register for a media boat place here

Arrivals Press Conference at 10:30 am on Sunday 29 February
There will be an arrivals press conference at 10:30 am on Sunday with the skippers and the New Zealand sailors that have arrived. If there are any teams finishing close to this time, the press conference will be delayed to allow media to cover the arrival.

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