Team New Zealand will have to battle hard over the last 1500 nautical miles on leg four of the Volvo Ocean Race if they are to even make the podium in their hometown stopover.
The Camper crew safely completed their tricky passage through the Solomon Islands over the last 24 hours but were only able to make modest gains on the leaders, who continue to hold a strong advantage in the race in to Auckland.
The Kiwi team will need to be on the look-out for further opportunities in the complex weather situation developing ahead if they are to improve their current fourth-place position.
Camper, along with Telefonica, made good time in the run through the middle of the Solomon Islands chain dodging numerous unmarked reefs, wind shadows and strong tidal surges to re-emerge in an improved position for the run down to New Zealand.
"The next few days will be pretty interesting," said Camper bowman Mike Pammenter. "The boats out east might have a slightly better wind angle and a bit better breeze but we have cut a big corner here. Time will tell and we will see how the dice rolls for us."
