To be doing up to 15 knots in basically 10 knots of breeze in pretty much an easterly is quite exceptional.
They really haven't had any strong breeze. These boats are capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots, so they have a lot up their sleeves.
It's a difficult thing to do and how many years before it happens again? Well that's anyone's guess.
It reinforces the strength of the handicap system. Any well-sailed, well-founded boat has a realistic chance of winning this race.
The forecast is very good for a record-breaking race, particularly for the maxi boats that are likely to get through to the finish without any southerly flow ... other than a little bit at the start.