Leg 2 Day 21 : 51.55 S 119.44 W

In just a few short hours we will be rounding Waypoint Alpha (WA), in all likelihood in fourth position. This is one less than we would have anticipated until the most recent scheds came in just minutes ago, when we were disappointed to learn that BG SPIRIT (on whom we had, day by day, built up a useful lead of 15 miles or so) have positioned themselves cleverly and overhauled us. Until we have rounded the waypoint, however, it will be difficult to tell exactly how the distances between the leading pack pan out - VAIO, who are now less than five miles away, could conceivably also be overtaken by BG SPIRIT before WA. Bearing in mind the overall positions and points thus far (VAIO came 2nd on Leg 1, whilst BG SPIRIT lie equal with us), we are obviously keen to beat both of these boats. The Southern Ocean is a relentlessly tiring place and everyone is ready for a bath and a long, long snooze in a normal bed, but it has never been so important to dig deep and focus as it is now in order for us to do well on this second part of the leg. Everything is still to play for. From the waypoint we estimate that it should take around 16 days to reach Wellington. Life on board remains a daily contrast - between the constant fluctuations and changes in the sea and sky above decks, and the routines at the bottom of the companionway steps. Here it can seem rather like Groundhog Day; just over a fortnight to go means 40 more sleeps, 40 more abrupt awakenings and stumblings into our yellow Michelin-man-style outfits, around 100 more cups of tea each, another 80 tiring sail changes, 1 more shower apiece (unless we get another one for Christmas!), and a lot more googah served up in our pale-blue dog bowls. Apart from the days when we are treated - as we were yesterday - to the culinary delights of Major's daal, which was out of this world at the start of the race but whose perfection has now reached a peak. Let's hope that it spurs us on to a podium position! Naomi Cudmore