Marc Guillemot (Safran): Period of thirty hours, which were difficult with technical problems concerning the settings on his automatic pilot. The new software has bugs, so he had to modify the settings.  Thinks he managed to get it set up right yesterday afternoon.  Now back chasing, rather than working on the electronics.  25-30 knots of wind, gusting to 32-33. Sailing at around 17.5 knots. Sun just coming out.  Has just passed the western end of the Ice Gate.  Can now head for second Gate.  Should be a quieter day today, although stronger winds forecast for tonight. The boat is ready.  Wise decision to move the second Ice Gate.  "We're not there to play Russian Roulette or be Kamikaze pilots."

Loïck Peyron (Gitana 80): Messed up a bit in night as slept too well, but nothing serious.  WNW'ly winds around 25 knots and pleasant temperature and fine weather.  Surfing, but has to be cautious.  Wind is forecast to strengthen.  Boats are designed for that, so not worried.  Problem is knowing how much sail to hoist.  Certainly a close race, but here they need to keep an eye on the boat and equipment, as if you don't finish, you can't win.  Lots of tiny details to take care of, but doesn't want to give too much away. It's not going to be easy to hoist the spinnaker as he will have to deal with the halyard, meaning he will have to climb the mast in calmer conditions in a few days.

Sam Davies (Roxy): After working out on deck, she is surfing along at over 20 knots and wants to get some rest.  Expecting worse conditions, so wants to be prepared.  Not yet too cold and is sleeping well in spite of speed.  Pleased with start of race, as nothing broken.  Wind up to 40 knots.  7 metre-high waves.  Grey and dull.  Has got over her cold and now feels fine.  Pleased to be receiving lots of messages.

Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec-Virbac 2): After high speeds yesterday, needs to rest a bit today.  Exceptional light.  A sort of misty white. Not sure if that is sign of wind coming.  24 knots of wind for the moment and due to strengthen to 35 knots.  A bit stressful, as you are not sure which sails to hoist and whether to believe the weather forecast, as not always precise enough to take decisions.  Eating and singing to try to take his mind off it.  No one has yet managed to get a significant lead. Good for the race, as it's exciting.  Not far from Josse, but Séb likely to pass in front of him as they cross paths.

Sébastien Josse(BT): 20-25 knots of wind and expecting stronger winds this afternoon up to 40 knots by this evening.  The boat was already ready as he approached the Forties.  Easing off on the pedal (15-18 knots), as doesn't want to put too much pressure on the boat at this point.  Eating and sleeping well.  Approves the decision of Race Directors to move the second Ice Gate.

Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia):  After fog, the sun has arrived. Regular gains, so clocking up points on his loyalty card, so hopes to get a present at the end. Wind just reached 30-35 knots with gusts around 39 knots, but thinks low will pass over quickly.  "If you aren't cool about 35 knots, you shouldn't be doing the Vendée Globe."  Thinks he lost an hour in his miserable night.  Seas building, but not yet that cold, so fairly pleasant.  Thinks he is 5h45 from Golding.