Since setting sail on the Nice UltiMed yesterday at 1:02pm, the crews of Thomas Coville (Sodebo Ultim’) and Francis Joyon (IDEC SPORT) have been embroiled in a fantastic duel. Overnight, they rounded the first passage mark off Marseille within 28 minutes of one another, off the Iles du Frioul (Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region mark). Sodebo Ultim’ has the edge this morning after better negotiating the beat that coloured the first section of the race. However, there is still absolutely everything to play for. The two maxi trimarans are now powered up in a crazy downwind sleigh ride towards the South of Sardinia in boisterous conditions. The sailing is full-on and the speeds are very, very high!