Sailing: Cayard comes in from the cold

FROM the wilds of the icy southern ocean, Paul Cayard was expected to cross the tropical finish line on EF Language in the early hours of this morning to take the fifth leg of the Whitbread Race.

"Wrapping up this leg in one word would be redemption," said Cayard in his last report from the boat. "We redeemed our pride as good sailors, which we knew we were, but which had been brought into question in the conditions."

While EF Language was putting the finishing touches to a performance which should set them up for an overall win , the chasing group was still fighting for every inch of advantage in changing weather patterns. Chessie Racing is beginning to challenge BrunelSunergy for second, but they still face a long haul of around 700 miles to the finish.

The only problem for Cayard will be that he will not able to bring his yacht to the arrivals pontoon for the presentation of the Volvo Trophy. The Brazilians have not been able to dredge out the harbour in time to allow deep enough water for EF Language to come alongside.

WHITBREAD ROUND THE WORLD RACE Fifth leg, Auckland-Sao Sebastiao, Brazil): 1 EF Language (Swe) 162.9 miles to finish, 2 BrunelSunergy (Neth) +496.6 miles; 3 Chessie Racing (US) +517.5; 4 Swedish Match (Swe) +587.9; 5 Merit Cup (US) +605.4; 6 Toshiba (US) +616.3; 7 Innovation Kvaerner (Nor) +650.4; 8 Silk Cut (GB) +1422.7; 9 EF Education (Swe) +2139.3.