Marc Thiercelin (DCNS, RTD): Does not really know the cause of the dismasting, as it happened at night and he didn't see anything. Will now be working on his long-term project as tutor for Christopher Pratt. Still wants to sail around the world - doesn't want this to be his final word, but doesn't know whether he'll be back in the next Vendée Globe. He thinks the race will be decided in the climb back up the Atlantic.

-5th Vincent Riou (PRB): 25 knots of wind. Sailing along nicely in intermediate position between stronger winds and shorter route, so pleased where he is. Can still see Brit Air just behind him. Each sailor does what he wants, so not worried about imitating the others. Choppy seas, so can't go any faster. Moderate downwind conditions for next 24 hours. First part of race was pleasant close-contact sailing. Doesn't want to push too hard as the boats have already been punished and after his damage in previous race wants to do things his way. Saw a few albatrosses yesterday.

6th Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement): In the Forties — a ‘light’ version of the Forties allowing him to get used to conditions; 25 knots of wind. Cool at night but still not cold during the day. There is ice between the Kerguelens and the Cape of Good Hope. At least now there is a warning thanks to satellite imagery. Boat certainly better than four years ago, so satisfied with the bigger picture. Even if he's been there before it’s never routine in the south, but feels he's back to a place he knows. Was in close contact with Vincent Riou yesterday. Looking after his crickets and keeping them warm. Slept for 90 minutes this morning. His seeds have grown, so two or three times a week has been eating them on top of his freeze-dried food. Saw a whale near the boat.

-7th Armel Le Cléac'h (Brit Air): Since yesterday evening, the wind has strengthened and seas rougher; 3-4 metre waves and cross seas. Gybed during the night and manoeuvre needs to be done with the utmost care. It’s only the beginning, so now is the time to find the right settings for automatic pilot and sails. This is his first time in far south at 40°S. Boat seems to behave well in these conditions. Finding his rhythm. Some are going more quickly, but he prefers to be cautious. Saw Vincent Riou a short while ago and others close. Seems to be taking the same options as Vincent. At night they separate for a while. Currently has 25 knots of wind, 22 knots of boat speed. Yesterday blue skies, but cloudy today. Saw his first albatross this morning. Not easy to take any strategic options at the moment as narrow corridor with high to the north and a front to the south. Will have to see after the Gate.

-9th Jean Le Cam (VM Matériaux): Finally some downwind sailing so adapting to that. Was fed up sailing upwind for such a long time slamming into the waves. He was looking for downwind sailing and that's why he's sailing in this direction. Peak speeds round 20 knots. He's famous for saying head west and, like an idiot, he kept to the left! Yesterday he was climbing the mast and had to quickly slide down 10 metres or so as the boat broached under spinnaker – should have known better…!

-16th Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas): In the calm of the high. Thought he was far enough away, but got stuck during the night sometimes only 2 knots of wind. Doesn't feel like he’s in the south yet, but he is ready. Has been waiting for this for several years, with some apprehension, as he's never been there, so has a mixture of feelings. But it’s a quiet entrance for the moment into the Forties.

-23rd Jean-Baptiste Dejeanty (Groupe Maisonneuve): Pleased to have passed Derek Hatfield, as no longer tail-ender. Still without Fleet 77 system, so no weather info at all today — it’s probably a connection problem with plug. 17 knots of speed reaching, but still into the seas, so very wet.