Sharpe hopes to be the first Briton to win the Vend�e Globe

Jersey sailor Phil Sharp lies in 11th position of the Figaro AG2R Atlantic race after opting for a westerly course off the coast of Portugal.

Sharp's position is the third most westerly of the 26-strong fleet.

On Wednesday night, the most westerly boat of the field jumped 10 places so Thursday will be crucial to see whether Sharp can make gains from his position.

"It hasn't done as much as we'd hoped as the others may have got a shift off the coast," said Sharp.

He added: "But they may get nailed by the current."

He is the only Briton in the biennial double-handed event and is sailing with Czech David Krizek.

The race started Sunday at Concarneau in France and will continue until arrival in St Barthelemy in the West Indies around 8 May.

The 2006 Route Du Rhum winner is using the race as preparation on an attempt to be the first Briton to win the famous Vend�e Globe single-handed round-the-world race.