The nine Extreme 40s then set off for the Needles under gennaker. Caught up in the dirty wind of their rivals, Edmond de Rothschild Group retained their position on the left hand side of the race zone, holding onto an option taking them fairly close to the island’s coast. Despite great efforts from the crew and a good deal of concentration as regards the trimming, the outcome of the race had already been decided and the remaining miles were reminiscent of a merry-go-round.

At the Mumm mark, which the 40 foot one designs had to round to starboard, the catamaran fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild was bringing up the rear, while Oman Sail Masirah was leading the fleet. With no tactical options up for grabs, the hierarchy of the first rounding was to remain unchanged!

Could it be that superstition was in play on this the 13th race of the event? Luck certainly wasn’t on the side of the Gitana Team in any case. However, with five races or more due to be run this afternoon, the crew had a lunchtime debrief and filed the result of this morning’s race away.

In an hour’s time – kick-off being scheduled at 1500 hrs – Edmond de Rothschild Group and her rivals will be competing in some more short, round-the-cans races off Egypt Point. The sun is shining over the Solent today and, according to forecasts, conditions should be milder than yesterday.