Team New Zealand are hoping for a boost from large thunderclouds and severe squalls on the approaches to the doldrums, as they near the equator 12 days into the fourth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race.

Team New Zealand’s Camper lies fifth, 135 miles off the pace but with still more than 2000 miles to go to Auckland in the 5200-mile leg which began in Sanya, China.

French entry Groupama has a 77 mile lead over second-placed Puma, which is 12 miles ahead of overall leader Telefonica.

As the six-strong fleet eases down through the Solomon Islands group, they are encountering squall lines packing gusts of wind in excess of 35 knots and rain-filled thunder clouds that can significantly help or hinder progress.

Co-skipper Stu Bannatyne says Camper are looking to make the most of the unpredictable tropical conditions.

“These thunder clouds pack a huge amount of power, so you have to be constantly monitoring them to get the most out of them and avoid any potential damage, which is not what we need right now.

“Get them right and they can gain you tens of miles, get them wrong and it can be a very different story. So we just need to ensure that we get them right.”

He said although Team New Zealand were trailing at the moment, it wasn’t the right time for radical gambles.

“We’re going to stay with the fleet and hope we can deal with the thunderstorms and light patches as well as or better than everyone else and get back into this race.”