Passing through the Doldrums at speeds of the 22-24kts, Ultim Challenge leader SVR Lazartigue sailed by Tom Leperche looked set to be first to cross the Equator into the southern hemisphere early this evening.
The 26 year old has opened up about 20 miles on second placed Charles Caudrelier (Maxi Edmond de Rothschild) today, the Gitana team solo skipper is now 24 miles behind.
Fourth placed Armel Le Cléac'h (Banque Populaire XI) – now 287 miles behind Laperche has revealed he had J0 headsail problems early on Friday morning which had slowed him. Le Cléac'h is some six miles behind Thomas Coville (Sodebo Ultim 3) but was, again, slowed to around six knots on the 1700hrs UTC poll.
