As they settle in to prepare for the first big storm of their Transat Jacques Vabre race from Le Havre to Costa Rica, Mike Golding and Javier Sanso have had a little time to reflect on a decent night and day of racing which saw Mike Golding Yacht Racing, their Open 60 up to challenge in sixth place, racing with the main pack in the north.

“We had a reasonable night and were pushing hard, so it was nice to see the gains come. It was never easy because we were still having the problems with the pilots, but I think we are on top of that now.” Said Golding this afternoon.

“Generally we are in good shape. We are just having some food. Without doubt we are in for a bit of a beating, but that is just the way it is.”

While Golding and Sanso have stuck with the northerly option, 2007 race winner Michel Desjoyeaux on Foncia has opted for a big southerly hook which he has been pursuing since last night. Golding, in fact echoed independently by race leading skipper Seb Josse, remained unconvinced that the conditions during the imminent storm – which is due through Wednesday and Thursday, will be very much easier in the south.

“To be honest I can’t see that there will be much difference. We are still pretty much following the routing that we had in Le Havre as we left. It has not really changed very much.”