Yachting: Still waters re-ignite Kiwi hopes in Volvo race

Still waters and little wind have reignited hopes Amer Sports One skipper Grant Dalton could yet enjoy a fairytale stage win in the Volvo round-the-world yacht race.

Earlier today, with race leader ASSA ABLOY over 30 nautical miles in front, Dalton intended to relax and enjoy the view as the leading yachts approached Auckland.

ASSA ABLOY rounded Cape Reinga two hours ahead of Amer Sports One, but has since been travelling at between nought and two knots, with little or no wind -- conditions Amer Sports One is now also sailing in.

Dalton's yacht is now only 19 miles behind the leader, but the chasing pack is also closing in on him. Illbruck is third, 65 miles back from the leader with a further five miles to News Corporation and four more miles to Tyco.

Dalton had expected to arrive in Auckland late tonight or early tomorrow, but the arrival times for all the yachts are being rapidly moved forward due to the weather conditions. ASSA ABLOY is now projected to arrive in Auckland just after 10pm, and Amer Sports One around 1am, but those times could well change if the wind stays away.

In the last round-the-world yacht race the leading vessel was becalmed at Cape Reinga and Dalton's boat was able to slip past and beat it home, something he had not expected to happen this time.

"That was a late afternoon sea breeze trying to fill between North Cape and Reinga and it couldn't get offshore and we caught it right up in the breakers," he told NZPA.

Whatever happens, Dalton said sailing into his home port is always a special moment.

"Coming home is something very special for me and the guys, and no matter how many times I do this race, it always is a very special day," Dalton told NZPA.

"I got a good sleep last night so I could enjoy it and not be over-tired because it is the most special day you have in this game."

- NZPA