Camper makes key play

Camper, the Emirates Team New Zealand contender in the Volvo Ocean Race has moved into third place on the third leg.

Having suffered a tactical error, the entry is now heading into the Vietnam coast and is positioned only 40 miles behind the two leading boats which are also heading inshore.

Camper expects to be off the Vietnamese coast on Thursday evening and then faces 130 miles of short tacking into a 25-30-knot headwind.

Skipper Chris Nicholson believes after a solid 24 hours the chance exists for the team to make up ground.

"It's a real game of chess out here at the moment. We've made the call to head for the coast along with the two front boats and we're nicely position for the time being.

"The big variable in hugging the coast like this is the fishing boats and nets, coming off the wrong side of an encounter with them could cost us dearly," he said.

The lack of information in an area where there is little sailing makes the situation a risk.

At least being behind Telefonica and Groupama offered the prospect that Camper could pick up on any mistakes made or hazards struck by the front boats.

"The reality is the boat who can get up that coastline in the best shape, avoid any major debris, wind shadows or adverse currents has the potential to make big gains when it comes to heading back out to Sanya [the finish line].

"We just need to ensure that boat is us," he said.