Having moved up into third place in the Transat Jacques Vabre, Mike Golding and Ed Danby have protested against race leaders Whirlpool-Europe 2 for stopping at St Barts to take on a a replacement spinnaker.

Although race rules do not prevent boats stopping to pick up stores and equipment, after gaining permission from the race organisers in Paris, they are unclear on the status of ripped or wrecked sails and a clarification will be sought when the race finishes today.

Golding was incensed by Catherine Chabaud and Luc Bartissol's surprise stop in St Barts.

"We are both shocked and amazed that this has been allowed," said Golding.

"Clearly Whirlpool had blown a spinnaker - normally one pays the price. Whirlpool was being caught up by the chasing pack and now have been allowed to board a replacement with no penalty. We are both stupefied by this unprecedented action and have protested accordingly."

The protest is not the only problem facing Chabaud and Bartissol on their arrival in Cartagena.

Bartissol suffered severe first and second degree burns to his face and chest after the engine exploded in front of him, the force of the blast throwing him two metres into the ballast.

Golding and Danby moved up into third place and just 20 miles separated Team Group 4 and the race leaders Whirlpool. The 60ft British yacht was averaging 12.01 knots taking an inshore route whereas second placed Sodebo and Sill Entreprises in fourth remained offshore.

The choice of course was set to prove crucial in the final 100-mile stage, deciding at the end of the 4,500 mile race from Le Havre which skippers took the winners' rostrum.

Three British yachts occupy sixth to eighth place. Ellen MacArthur on Aquitaine Kingfisher leads Gartmore with Josh Hall and Alex Thompson.

Pindar, the Open 50 sailed by Emma Richards and Miranda Merron are still 2,000 miles from the finish but are 500 miles ahead of their class rival Spirit of Race. The Southampton girls are now unlikely to make the prize giving which takes place on Sunday.

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