Vendée Globe

Sébastien Josse (BT) takes the lead again as the wind builds again for the leaders, Jean Pierre Dick who lies second explained this morning that the wind has returned for him to 30 knots from the south west with poor overhead conditions

Dick has conceded about 10 miles to Josse, who has been quicker about 45 miles to his north, and is now just 1.5 miles behind Josse.

Loïck Peyron (Gitana Eighty) has drawn level with Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement) challenging each other for third and fourth, while Mike Golding, GBR (Ecover 3) has been quickest through the morning making 18.8 knots between 0900hrs and 1000hrs UTC, gaining 25 miles on the leader.

The French radio broadcast was a relatively relaxed affair this morning, no one wanting to give away to much about their strategy for the Kerguelens and Heard Island, with questions asked as to whether anyone will route above the Kerguelens.

Here is a short summary round up from the French language speakers this morning:

2^nd Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec-Virbac 2): Finally wind has reached us.  Yesterday couldn't find the right sails to get going.  So now relieved. 24-25 knots of wind 18-20 knots of speed.  Sea temp 4.6°C.  Will be heading further south.  Doesn't yet know how he will pass Kerguelens.

3^rd Loïck Peyron (Gitana 80): The front has finally arrived , so they can now sail as fast as those behind.  Seas are fairly calm, so good sailing conditions.  Cold and wet and manoeuvres on deck, but feels everything is going well.  Relieved after being able to climb his mast and that has cheered him up.  Drinking tea with honey and biscuits five times a day to keep warm.  Explains his mountaineering method to hoist himself up the mast. Also has a rope ladder.  Even in calm conditions, takes half an hour to climb up as sudden movements.

6^th Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia): Sailing nicely at the moment in pleasant conditions. A transition coming up, which will require some manoeuvres.  In the northern third of the pack and much warmer up there.  The sun came out and the sea went from grey to blue.  As long as the race is still going, we don't know who will win.

15^th Sam Davies (Roxy): Fine weather, but only 5° air temp and 5° water temperature.  Keeping warm by taking in and shaking out a reef. A third behind her and she's almost sad about it, enjoying it and discovering a  beautiful place.  Hopes to return there again.  Hopes she is sharing her joy with others.

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