Vessel puts in an inspiring performance

The Edinburgh yacht, which carries the Inspiring Capital logo as well as the Evening News masthead on its hull, is currently in sixth place on the fifth leg of the race, from Gerladton in Western Australia to Singapore.

And with only six miles separating the top five teams, the Capital crew are hoping to catch up on the leaders as quickly as possible.

On Wednesday they shot up through the fleet thanks to their early decision to take an easterly course, which has allowed them to maintain 12-hour runs in excess of 100nm.

Skipper Matt Pike said: "We've had a good 24-hour run up the east side of the Indian Ocean. It looked favourable and the wind has blown steadily, swinging south south-easterly to south south-west, and blowing 15 to 18 knots.

"But in the light, unsettled winds ahead anyone could pick up a little wind river and move in front. As the fleet closes up and the distances get closer it becomes harder and harder to gain any advantage."