The Ocean Race 2022-23: Kevin Escoffier says Team Holcim-PRB are ‘not as focussed or precise’ as before

Team Holcim-PRB skipper Kevin Escoffier believes his crew are “not as focussed or precise” compared to how they were earlier in Leg 3 of The Ocean Race.

They had built a lead of over 500 nautical miles, but have been reeled in by Team Malizia, Biotherm and 11th Hour Racing Team, with just 31 nautical miles splitting all four teams on Friday at 15:00 GMT.

“We’ve discussed this and now we are back to how we were doing it earlier. Things like having small debriefings after each watch – writing down our goals each time, it’s essential to do that.

“As for Malizia, we haven’t been looking that much at them because they do not have the same wind as us for a few days now.”

Team Malizia have been tracking at a more northerly route, which has helped them close the gap to Holcim-PRB and at 16:00 GMT they had edged ahead.

Malizia’s Nico Lunven is confident about their strategy, which has changed the complexion of the race.

“It has been our plan to be in the north so we have the ability to come down at a good angle to the ice exclusion zone,” said Lunven.

“With this wind speed it is quite nice. But it is already getting a bit light closer to the high pressure.”

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