Yachting: Kiwi skipper due in Wellington

New Zealander Mike Sanderson was expected to lead the fleet into Wellington Harbour this morning in the third leg of the round-the-world yacht race.

Last night, with just over 200 nautical miles to sail, ABN Amro One had a 20-mile lead over Spanish entry movistar.

Paul Cayard's Pirates of the Caribbean were third 59 miles behind and Brasil 1 fourth 89 miles back. Sanderson said the last 100 miles into Wellington was looking tricky, with very light airs forecast in Cook Strait.

ABN Amro One has taken line honours in the previous two legs. The yachts and their crews will start the 12,400km Southern Ocean leg to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday.