Merit Cup holds a narrow lead as the fourth leg of the Whitbread Round the World Race draws to its conclusion. Just over one mile separates the four leading yachts - Merit Cup, Toshiba, Chessie Racing and EF Language - which are now only 106 miles from the finishing line in Auckland.

Swedish Match made a minor recovery after slipping from first place to fifth in three incredible hours and now trails EF Language by just over seven miles.

The Swedish yacht, skippered by Gunnar Krantz and Erle Williams, lost time and places when brought to a virtual standstill by a strong westerly tip.

Toshiba also suffered, handing the initiative and lead to Merit Cup, whose skipper Grant Dalton realises he faces a difficult task to hang onto first place and is taking nothing for granted.

"We have a real fight on our hands and we're giving it everything," said Dalton.

"We have everyone on the rail. All sails are stacked on deck and all clothing and other equipment has been stowed on the weather bunks."