Conrad Humphreys has recovered his position after a forced stop

Humphreys, 31, now off the southern tip of Tasmania, has overhauled five sailors after being forced to stop and make repairs.

His yacht, Hellomoto, damaged a rudder when it hit an unidentified submerged object 300 miles (482km) off Cape Town.

He was forced to anchor for nearly two days while he replaced the rudder, falling to last in the 16-boat pack.

Humphreys said: "I've covered 1,200 miles at an average of about 16 knots in the last four days which is very nice.

"I'm being realistic and judging my performance every 1,000 miles.

"It will be great to start counting down the miles home once I've passed the half way mark."