3^rd Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement): Not that pleasant during the night as wind eased off and shifted, but seas still choppy. No time for sleep, as remained at the helm.  Now wind returning.  Doesn't pay attention to time except for contact with France.  Hesitates about sail choice as manoeuvres take a long time in the cold.  Weather models concur for once, so has been looking at route.  How far south should he go? Crickets came out of their hiding place in spite of 5°C.  Feels he needs to sleep more than in the past - age, conditions of race? Hadn't thought that his boat would do so well in some stretches in comparison to more powerful boats, but seems to be doing well.  2 metre swell, making it more comfortable than few days ago.  Light grey-dark grey and clouds.  Sea temperature 3°C.

8^th  Jean Le Cam (VM Materiaux) It's cold! Boat advancing well again now. Stronger southerly winds forecast allowing to make headway on the starboard tack. Each sailor finds his own level. It's a race and Desjoyeaux getting by doesn't disturb him.  We'll have to see what happens later. In rougher conditions, there is the permanent worry about damage.  Slamming down off waves, you always wonder what is going to happen. Slept last night, whereas not possible the night before.  Getting rest and eating  is vital, as it affects your mood

9^th Yann Eliès (Générali):  A bit like a hangover.  Busy night with calms and a lot of manoeuvres.  Has been losing ground and can't see how to get back.  Not in a good position and not easy to put up with.  Watching albatrosses circling, but for the moment not the pleasures of nature that are focus of his attention.  May have eased off a bit too much and that in addition to badly chosen strategy means he is not satisfied.

10^th Armel Le Cléac'h (Brit Air):  It's freezing since this morning. Wind has returned since yesterday evening. Sea temperature 2°C and has radar on to watch for icebergs. Has eased off on pedal since entering the deep south to get used to conditions. Discovering things each day and getting used to cold.  Manoeuvres certainly harder and take longer.  Different universe from Atlantic, where race was more like a close contact race.  Climate is what strike him most.  Difficult to shave as water so cold, so growing a beard.  Objective is to stay with leaders and it is after the Horn that he thinks he will have opportunities.

12^th Dominique Wavre (Temenos): For an hour and a half as found good conditions with some good surf.  Hoping to narrow gap with leaders. Grey-blue seas.  Has been wearing a helmet with visor at helm, but now has handed over to autopilot. Listening to U2 and Queen, drinking coffee...have to enjoy yourself at the helm.   Pace of life determined by wind and conditions, not metro and pressures of life.   Has remained on French time to make it easier to contact people back home.  But gradually head and body in different time zone.

14^th Bernard Stamm (Cheminées Poujoulat): Cold and wet, but everything fine.  Wind not stable, so had a lot of manoeuvres to do during the night.  Thinks he has good conditions since Cape Finisterre. Hasn't really been paying attention to distances and performance.  Thinks it is possible to get back to the front.  All depends on the weather, but he's putting his foot down.  Pushing hard, but doesn't think he is punishing the boat. Needs to get some rest now.  Air temperature 5°C.