Groupama remain on course for victory in Leg 4 after the crew worked to isolate a leak in the bow and pump out water in what proved to be a late scare for the team on the run in to Auckland.

Yann Riou, Media Crew Member on board Groupama 4, reported that the bow had become two-thirds filled with water after damage likely caused by repeated banging in the upwind conditions.

“All pumps, buckets and scoops as well as most of men are requisitioned,” said Riou. “After a few minutes, we saw that the water level had dropped. Relief.”

Martin Krite said he and fellow bowman Brad Marsh had found the leak after noticing that the boat was digging more deeply into the water than normally.

“I went downstairs to have a look in the bow and discovered we had a lot of water in the boat and more water was coming in,” said Krite.

“Then Brad and myself went looking for holes in the boat and managed to find a leak. Now we’ve hopefully solved the problem and will be able to take us into Auckland in one piece.”

Marsh, who is desperate to become the first New Zealander into Auckland in the race, said the discovery had got the adrenaline pumping.

“For a while you couldn’t tell how much water there was,” Marsh said. “Each time we opened the hatch you just get flooded with more water.

“It’s a bit concerning to start with and you have adrenaline pumping and you don’t know how much damage there is or just how much water there is.”