Nicorette and Brindabella close in on Alfa Romeo

FAVOURABLE winds carried New Zealand maxi Alfa Romeo ahead for a second night in the 58th Sydney to Hobart yacht race but her commanding lead was narrowed by shrewd tactics at the business end of the race.

Five trailing maxis were in the hunt with Britain's Canon Leopard, Sean Langman's Grundig and Australian Scandia Wild Thing all following Alfa Romeo's easterly line.

But Swedish maxi Nicorette and 1997 line honours winner Brindabella chose a different tactical route, taking the most direct line towards the finish at Hobart, and were lying second and third in the early evening.