Just after midnight this morning, there was a dramatic conclusion to the multihull contest. The five racing trimarans in contention had been reduced to just three. Mana (ITA) had held the lead since Favignana, but on the way down to Lampedusa had been unable to shake off Zoulou (FRA). Maserati Multi 70 (ITA) meanwhile looked out of it until a bold move to stay north of the rhumb line to the South Comino Channel, brought them back into the frame. The light wind drag race from the channel to the finish in Marsamxett Harbour appeared to be a procession in Mana’s favour, but a nervous final mile from the Fairway Buoy off Valletta saw Zoulou in full stealth mode almost snatch victory from the Italian team. 56 seconds separated Mana and Zoulou on the line, as Mana crossed it at 00.32.38 and the French crew at 00.33.32. Maserati finished at 00.43.04.
In the monohull line honours battle, Leopard 3 (NED) and Bullitt (ITA) have been racing each other since Favignana. The gap at Favignana was 20 minutes, at Pantelleria it had extended to 43 minutes, and by Lampedusa it was back to 31 minutes. According to the tracker, Leopard 3 passed through the South Comino Channel at just be 1000 CEST with Bullitt about 10nm in arrears. Leopard should finish around 1100 CEST.
The rest of the fleet stretches all the way back to Stromboli, where the park up for many of the smaller yachts continues. Janissah (MLT), the last boat on the course, is about to pass through the transit. Boats in a mix of classes are streaming towards Favignana, and later this afternoon, a more accurate picture of what is going on should be available. In the meantime, Teasing Machine (FRA) appears to hold a slender lead in the overall IRC standings, but that lead has been flicking to and from between Teasing Machine, Spirit of Lorina (FRA), Wild Joe (HUN) (all in IRC 1) and Daguet 3 – Corum (FRA) in IRC 2.
The battle at the front of IRC 3 continues, with Artie III (MLT) is currently ahead of Ino XXX on time correction, holding a 30 minute lead at Favignana. The pair are just arriving at Pantelleria. IRC 4 is led by Albator (FRA), just off the Favignana transit, with Elusive 2 (MLT), Essentia (POL) and Freya (IRL) side by side off San Vito Lo Capo. Tevere Remo Mon Ile (ITA) retains a commanding lead in IRC 5, and is up with Elusive 2. Colombre leads IRC 6, but has Calypso (MLT) and Red Ruby (USA), the double hander, still at her heels.