Vendée Globe

As well as rudder problems for Bernard Stamm there was chat of baby wipes, drying socks, recovering from a fright, fog...all broadcast from the Paris Boat Show.

Jean Le Cam (VM Matériaux): Good speeds and things are going quite well.  Keeping with the weather systems for quite some time, as they're sailing so fast.  Air temperature about 4°C.  Waves over the deck, so outside it's cold and wet.  Not getting dirty, so doesn't need to wash much.  Uses babywipes to clean himself.  Trying to find a suitable pace so as not to be left behind.

Bernard Stamm (Cheminées Poujoulat): Rudder stock bearings are crushed and broken in lower attachment so not fixed in place.  Under reduced sail.  Cannot see any way to repair. Still reflecting, but cannot imagine a solution.  Happened suddenly.  A few days ago it started making a noise.  Yesterday lifted rudder out and saw it had got much worse.

Marc Guillemot (Safran): Has now recovered from his fright a couple of nights ago, when he hit a cetacean. Initially thought it was a growler as a very loud noise.  Inspected boat and couldn't find any damage.  Thinks a mammal must have hit hull and then rudder, which kicked up.

Armel Le Cléac'h (Brit Air):  Front has just gone over and wind strengthened.  35 knots, but should ease off.  Currently hitting 21-22 knots regularly. Sea temp 3° and air temp 5°. You get used to it.  Dries his socks when engine on to recharge batteries, but otherwise cold.  Had to leave him, as risked broaching

Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas): Last night, several gybes. Heavy seas starting to calm down now and there's some sunshine.  Expecting NW'ly gales tonight with 45 knot gusts.  Has been snowing.  Still enjoying the south.

Roland Jourdain (Véolia Environnement): Very wet weather although temperature is slightly up. 25-35 knots of wind. Difficult finding right sail plan.  Problem is seas punishing the boat.  No real options for the moment, so all they can do is follow.  JP knows his boat well as has had a  lot of experience.

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