BP GROUP was in the lead earlier this week in the Challenge Transat Race, which began recently in Southampton.

The six-boat fleet is heading for Boston with Logica pressing hard in second place.

Although in its early stages, the race has not been without incident. In very light airs leaving the Solent, BP Explorer was washed on to the Shingles Bank and lost valuable time, eventually being assisted by the Yarmouth lifeboat. A decision is awaited from the International Jury as to any penalty incurred.

A few days later, the yacht had done much to regain lost ground. But she was diverted from the race on Saturday night as a result of a false emergency alarm during which both Team SpirIt and Spirit of Hong Kong lost contact with race headquarters.

Although BP Explorer dropped to 145 miles behind the leaders, this may not be as bad as it seems, since redress is normally given to vessels offering assistance in rescue operations.

BP Group, at the head of the race, was sailing on the north side of a low pressure system that spun through with winds running at 30-35 knots on the beam and waves building to 30 feet. The crew had reduced sail down to the third reef and set the storm headsail, ready for whatever might follow.