[Source: Barcelona World Race] Paprec-Virbac 2 has left Cook Strait in its wake as skipper Jean-Pierre Dick and co-skipper Damian Foxall begin the second half of the Barcelona World Race with their well-earned lead in good shape. Theyve begun their descent southwards again, heading to the Southern Ocean for the second time.

Getting through and away from the Cook Strait we were pretty lucky, said Damian Foxall. Its a bit of a transition areawe went from 25 to 30 knots downwind to at least 30 knots upwindit was a busy day, wet and windybut now were out into the Pacific.

After waiting to see when Hugo Boss would cross the Cook Strait scoring gate, Paprec-Virbac 2 was happy to see that it is the stage winner, having the fastest elapsed time on the first Southern Ocean leg. None of the remaining three boats can beat this time. Hugo Boss completed the stage and then headed for the quay in Wellington the clock began running on their pit-stop at 03:00 GMT. The boys on Paprec-Virbac 2 know that when Hugo Boss takes to sea again, it will be sailing at 100% in an effort to catch the leader.

We had a big discussion about that this afternoon, Damian laughed. Its important now for us to find the right compromise between speed and safety. Anything could happen we still have 11 000 miles to goI think well have a nice lead on them, but its not like were putting the autopilot on and going to bed! Theyre going to come out 100% for surewe know theyll be after us and coming up quickly so

Paprec-Virbac crosses the Cook Strait. Wellington, 26 December 2007. Photo copyright Chris Cameron / Barcelona World Race

Just behind, the third place boat, Temenos II, continues to charge towards Wellington. Co-skipper Michle Paret says theyre also trying to find the right balance between speed and safety as they nurse their damaged keel to New Zealand. The boat will be hauled out in Wellington with experts on stand-by to attack the repairs immediately.

The feeling is a bit strange as we are not 100% race mode, but we dont want to lose miles. We want to go as fast as possible but the damaged keel is always in the back of our minds, she says. Its not good to stop, the best would be to continue at sea, its frustrating and wed prefer to keep going.

Just behind, Mutua Madrilea has made up 50 miles on the leader over the past 24 hours, while at the back of the fleet, Educacion sin Fronteras has crossed through the Australian safety gate after altering course dramatically to the north to reach the gate. Servanne Escoffier says the wind is up and theyre still living the full-on Southern Ocean experience.

We have between 30 and 35 knots, WNW, and were making between 15 and 18 knots, she told us. Were trying to be careful. Weve had two or three days with a lot of wind and wavesits better now but again, more wind is coming and it will be harder.

Paprec-Virbac crosses the Cook Strait. Wellington, 26 December 2007. Photo copyright Chris Cameron / Barcelona World Race

Day 47 December 27, 14:00 GMT - Position report with distance to leader

1. PAPREC-VIRBAC 2 - Jean Pierre DICK / Damian FOXALL - 0
2. HUGO BOSS - Alex THOMSON / Andrew CAPE - 275
3. TEMENOS 2 - Dominique Wavre / Michele PARET- 1539
4. MUTUA MADRILENA - Javier SANSO / Pachi RIVERO - 1918
5. EDUCACION SIN FRONTERAS - Servane ESCOFFIER / Albert BARGUES - 2950
Originaly from Source