Sailing
The Ocean Race Atlantic: 11th Hour Racing leads as battle for Lorient intensifies
Watch The Ocean Race Atlantic for free on DAZN
The battle for victory in The Ocean Race Atlantic is tightening as the fleet enters its sixth day at sea, with Team Francesca Clapcich powered by 11th Hour Racing locked in a close fight for the lead.
After almost 1,900 nautical miles of racing across the Atlantic, 11th Hour Racing and United by the Ocean are running neck and neck at the front, while DMG MORI Global One and Team Malizia remain firmly in contention behind them.
The inaugural edition of The Ocean Race Atlantic is taking six IMOCA teams from New York to Lorient, France, with the fleet expected to arrive on September 8-9.
Watch The Ocean Race Atlantic for free on DAZN
11th Hour Racing and United by the Ocean battle for the lead
The Ocean Race Atlantic
Team Francesca Clapcich powered by 11th Hour Racing had opened a small advantage during the weekend, but the race has since tightened significantly.
The latest update from The Ocean Race described 11th Hour Racing and United by the Ocean as being locked in a fierce battle at the front, with neither crew able to establish a decisive advantage.
DMG MORI Global One sits third, with Team Malizia fourth and still within striking distance as the leading group approaches another potentially decisive section of the course.Â
Weather could bring the fleet back together
The leading crews have already endured an extremely demanding crossing, with winds exceeding 30 knots and heavy seas making life on board particularly difficult.
Now, however, a very different challenge awaits. The four leading teams are expected to encounter an area of significantly lighter wind, which could compress the gaps and effectively create an offshore restart.
That leaves the race finely balanced heading into the closing stages, with tactical decisions potentially becoming just as important as outright boat speed.
Team Malizia suffers setback after early lead
The Ocean Race
Team Malizia had been one of the early frontrunners but slipped back to fourth after suffering an impact to its port foil.
The damage came after the team had spent a significant period at the front of the race, while Embrace the Challenge has also been forced to contend with damage to its mainsail during the difficult Atlantic conditions.
How to watch The Ocean Race Atlantic for free
Fans can watch The Ocean Race Atlantic for free on DAZN, with daily OnBoard Live coverage following the crews during the transatlantic crossing.
Coverage is available worldwide on DAZN, with daily shows and race updates available throughout the event.
