A speedy passage through the Doldrums into the south easterly trade winds has helped Groupama extend their lead in the Volvo Ocean race to 165 kilometres.
The French crew leads Puma with Team New Zealand's entry Camper is still back in fifth spot 350km off the lead.
However, with over 2,700km still to go to the finish of leg four in Auckland and a an increasingly complex weather pattern ahead the race order could easily change.
The race leaders are expected to arrive in Auckland on Saturday.
