1st - Sébastien Josse (BT):  Bit of stress, as wind was very variable in the night, but pleased to be racing with Gitana 80.  Conditions are decent for pure racing.  Later will be more difficult to be at 100%.  40 miles ahead [of third placed boat] isn't much — better to be there than behind, but still very close. Yesterday was check-up and spring cleaning.  Clothes prepared for cold weather, but doesn't need them yet.  Enjoying himself. Not impressed by southern seas - big storms and danger of ice, so for him it means cold weather, rather than excitement.
3rd - Yann Eliès (Générali):  Managed to get through the high and so satisfied with his night, although tired, as he didn't get to sleep, because of stress.  Taking part to win, so not surprised with his position.  Yesterday his strategy was a bit risky, but he wasn't held up, so pleased.  Safran, Temenos and Foncia threatening behind as well. For the moment still calm and wants to be in shape.  Thoroughly checked his boat yesterday and everything fine.
5th - Vincent Riou (PRB): Conditions are more relaxed.  Close to Brit Air and Veolia Environnement.  Regularly see each other and chat on the radio.  Talked to Roland Jourdain about how strange it was they were all so close. Performance of boats very similar in spite of different designs.  Have to be careful at night as so close.  Separated partly to avoid collision.  No agreement, as it is a solo sport. 12 knots of wind, so very comfortable.  At some point will have to gybe south to get more wind.
7th - Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec-Virbac 2): Hopes the high will move off allowing them to sail towards ice gate.  Lots of gybes during the night, so a bit tired.  Route south was indeed the best way to get around St. Helena high so Josse and Peyron doing well.  Still not strong steady winds, but looking forward to that this evening.  A few minor repairs yesterday — a cleat — and sorted out clothes for cold weather.  Always feels strange to enter the Forties, even if you have been there before. No other place like it on Earth.  Favourite meal is fruit trifle – but freeze dried food only on board now!
10th - Marc Guillemot (Safran): On the edge of the Forties.  Was expecting more wind, but no problems.  Keeping the wind speed to himself.  Maybe a bit over confident yesterday, so a bit slower in evening as could have reacted more quickly with sail changes.  No time to ease off, as slightest hesitation means you lose a few hours.  For the moment it's a permanent race with no time to rest, as been preparing for Forties.  Inspection of equipment and tidied up, but was unable to climb mast yesterday as never in a calm. No southern surf for today.
11th - Dominique Wavre (Temenos): Boat broached and he fell in the cockpit when a sudden squall arrived, as he was tidying up.  Strategy not easy.  He's been watching what leaders have been doing and in fact, they got across the high without too many problems.  Wind is not stable.  All sorts of clouds around him, so has to remain attentive to changes.  The sun is out for the moment, so feeling upbeat, as drying weather.  A lot of work on the deck, but in this weather he is enjoying it.  Looking forward to surf in south, as the boats are designed for that.  Three or four days before rough weather arrives, but for the moment pleasant conditions in coming days.
12th - Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia): Sunshine and taking advantage of the summer at the helm.  Not too cold.  Saw some whales and first albatross.  Leaders seem to be scattering.  Watching how leaders are coping. Moderate downwind conditions expected for next few days.  A bit of chop and swell, but much more comfortable than past few days and drier.