Sailing
The Ocean Race Atlantic latest: Four teams in fight for victory as Lorient finish approaches
Watch The Ocean Race for free on DAZN
The battle to win the inaugural The Ocean Race Atlantic is set for a dramatic conclusion, with four teams still firmly in contention as the fleet races towards Lorient.
After seven days of racing across the North Atlantic, DMG MORI Global One leads the way ahead of United by the Ocean, 11th Hour Racing and Team Malizia, with less than 50 nautical miles separating the top four.
Around 1,100 nautical miles remain for the leaders, with the first boats currently expected to arrive in Lorient on Thursday.
Fans can follow the closing stages of The Ocean Race Atlantic live and free on DAZN.
Who is leading The Ocean Race Atlantic?
Anne Beaugé
Kojiro Shiraishi's DMG MORI Global One currently holds the advantage after an eventful few days at the front of the fleet.
The Japanese team has benefited from its more southerly position as the leading boats negotiate a high-pressure system on their route towards France.
United by the Ocean and 11th Hour Racing are close behind, while Boris Herrmann's Team Malizia remains in the battle despite dropping back from the lead earlier in the race.
Malizia has been working its way back towards the leading group, reducing its lateral separation from DMG MORI Global One from around 120 nautical miles to 80.
Why is The Ocean Race Atlantic so close?
Changing conditions in the North Atlantic have repeatedly reshuffled the order since the fleet left New York.
The crews have already faced heavy seas and powerful winds, but the leading boats are now navigating lighter conditions around a high-pressure system.
That has helped compress the front of the race and placed an increased emphasis on positioning and route choice before stronger winds return.
DMG MORI Global One appears to hold a slight advantage because of its position further south, but with the conditions expected to change again before Lorient, the race remains wide open.
The leading teams are expected to encounter a mixture of light upwind conditions, reaching and faster downwind sailing during the closing stages.
When will The Ocean Race Atlantic finish?
The leading boats are currently expected to reach Lorient, France, on Thursday.
Lorient is one of the world's major offshore sailing centres and will host the conclusion of the first edition of The Ocean Race Atlantic.
With four teams still separated by less than 50 nautical miles and more than 1,000 miles left to race, there remains plenty of opportunity for the order to change before the fleet reaches France.
How to watch The Ocean Race Atlantic on DAZN
The Ocean Race Atlantic is available to watch live and free on DAZN.
Fans can follow the action across the Atlantic and watch the closing stages as DMG MORI Global One, United by the Ocean, 11th Hour Racing and Team Malizia battle for victory.
