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Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand. - Source: Getty
Camper has gained some speed but not any traction on the leaders as they languish in fourth spot on the third Volvo Ocean Race leg from the Maldives to China.
Team New Zealand's entry was virtually becalmed off the Malaysian coast last night, losing the hard-earned miles clawed back earlier in the day, and while they have found some breeze again they're now 31.2 nautical miles off the pace.
Several lead changes have occurred in the Malacca Straits with Camper, Groupama, Puma and Telefonica leading at times, but Camper was the first to blink and has paid the price for taking a course closer to shore.
Telefonica, the overall race leaders, have a 0.9 nm lead over Groupama while Puma are third, 2.8 nm behind the leaders.
All three boats are further offshore than Camper and enjoying better breeze.
At one stage Camper were struggling at about 2-3 knots but they're back up to just under 12.
Despite lying second overall and well within striking distance of Telefonica on the points table, Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton has made it clear he expects better than what has transpired in the past 48 hours.
''Maybe it will come right this leg, but they will need luck rather than skill at this point,'' he said from ashore.
''With the boats in the Straits there are position reports every minute, so it has been easier to analyse decisions and they're not getting it right.
''I am sure that all on board are working hard to execute the calls just as I'm sure that all on board are as frustrated as we are.
"As a team we all expect better than this.''
