Team SCA are leading the way on leg eight of the Volvo Ocean Race.

The all-female crew, which is skippered by Hamble's Sam Davies, have been slowly improving during the round-the-world epic that began late last year.

Impressive performances in the in-shore races have not been built upon in the offshore campaign, until now.

Davies, who is joined by Hamble navigator Libby Greenhalgh, is currently holding the lead in the short 647-nautical mile leg from Lisbon to Lorient in France.

They have sailed impeccably, but will have to maintain that form with the latest stage still in its infancy.

There is still more than 500nm still to go, although the race it set to finish on Thursday.

According to location reports last night, Team SCA have built a 11.3-nautical mile lead ahead of Team Vestas Storm, who held the overnight lead.

Fellow Hampshire sailor Ian Walker, skipper on the Abu Dhabi Ocean Race Team alongside Southampton navigator Simon Fisher, were in fifth last night.

Rob Greenhalgh, Libby’s brother, on the MAPFRE boat is in fourth.

Dongfeng meanwhile, joint closest rivals with third-place Team Brunel to leaders Abu Dhabi in the overall standings, is in last place as the fleet makes its way along the Portuguese coastline.