Lea was the last boat out of Esbjerg, but is now leading the singlehanded category.
Stefan Severin on Oxygenia X99 has withdrawn as the boat experienced problems with one of the shrouds shortly after the start. The boat recently received a new mast with 6mm standing rigging instead of 8mm. Torben Herslund one off Gerlach design Midas is in emergency harbor in Thyborøn.
Lea in the Lead The leading boat is still Palby Marine and Hansen Sailing Team skippered by Michael Møllmann. At 11:30, they are located between Hanstholm and Skagen.
The next boat is the Polish First 40.7, Polish Manx, situated close to the coast near Hanstholm. Following her is the leading singlehanded sailor, Robert Kuper, in his long-keeled sloop, Lea. The boat is off Thyborøn with a good distance from the coast. Next comes the smallest boat of the course, the X79 Relax skippered by Esben Pilegaard, who is 2 nautical miles behind, while the Moody 45 Cassiopeia skippered by Stig Wittrup is 5.6 nautical miles behind Robert Kuper. The waves in the Hanstholm area are 2.5 to 3 meters high.
Even more wind coming
The wind is blowing at 24 to 28 knots, but increasing. From 6:00 PM tonight, an average wind speed of 28 to 34 knots is expected. At the same time, the waves are expected to be 3 to 3.5 meters high.