Desjoyeaux, Jourdain and Seb Josse (BT) line up on the same course, while Jean Le Cam (VM Matériaux) is tracking 40 miles south of their line.

The furious pace in the Indian Ocean has regained 45 hours 45 minutes on the overall 2004 race record, so that this race now lags only 19 hours and 35 minutes behind. The 2004 record to Cape Leeuwin was 36 days, 11 hours, 48 minutes. This year it is 37 days 07 hours 23 minutes.

News from those who have abandoned recently is positive. Mike Golding has set his jury rig this morning and is making between 5 and 6 knots. His plan is to get to Fremantle or Perth but that will be dependent on how efficient his rig, concocted with his storm staysail set to his boom which is near upright, proves. He is heading for Perth meantime, has ample fuel to motor up to 500 miles in good weather conditions.

Dominique Wavre, SUI (Temenos II) left the Kerguelen Islands at just after 0500hrs this morning, also bound for Perth or Fremantle, as is Loick Peyron. Bernard Stamm, SUI, (Cheminées Poujoulat) managed to get his Open 60 on to the supply vessel Marion Dufresne this morning and is bound for Reunion Island.

Here is a summary of what the French speaking skippers said this morning on the radio broadcast:


Marc Guillemot (Safran): Feeling rather tired.  Climbed halfway up the mast twice this morning, as the first time he forgot something.  A slight technical problem limiting ability to be under full mainsail for the moment. Carried out temporary repairs and has cleaned himself up now. Can sail at 90% for the moment and will need to carry out more repairs before fully recovered, but will need to reflect on how best to do that.  In this Vendée Globe, three goals.  Firstly, lining up for the start.  Secondly, finishing the race and thirdly the Holy Grail.  Different from transatlantic races, where you can finish exhausted, as necessary to look after himself too.  His wife has left him various creams to help him take care of himself.  Leaders are sailing quickly.  We saw two boats out yesterday, so that can happen to anyone.  Seas haven't been allowing him to reach high speeds.

Vincent Riou (PRB): New low is just arriving with winds going from 15-30 knots.  At the moment 25 knots of wind and boat sailing at 20 knots.  First time he has seen ice so close to the boat was yesterday when he hit growler. No serious damage.  Rudder scraped, but not . Doesn't think he should try to catch leaders at any price especially in weather that is arriving.  Will have to wait for Pacific and then a weather window to get back up with leaders. Foot is now better and can walk on it again.

Armel Le Cléac'h (Brit Air) 20-23 knots, so calmly preparing for the gales.  It is the sea state that is going to be the hardest,and swell building already. Weather charts predicting very high seas.  Never at 100% and I'm continuing like that. This week was particularly tough hearing the news of the two competitors.  When you hear that, you check your own boat. It's a natural reflex.

Arnaud Boissières (Akena vérandas): Heavy seas punishing boat.  Sun came out about an hour ago.  35-40 knot winds at the moment. Remaining cautious with no headsails in such conditions.  Especially after seeing what has happened to others.  Has been watching Waterworld.
29.1 knots of boat speed a new record for the boat.

Sébastien Josse (BT):  Very heavy seas in spite of winds, which are not yet that strong.  Anything is possible as winds change and they pass from one system to another.  Feels in top form

Sam Davies, (ROXY): It's very bumpy today. 35-40 knots from NW, but seas are mountainous, so very spectacular.  Sent surfing along.  Aware of danger particularly since Ecover 3 dismasted.  In regular contact by e-mail with others who are going through the same thing.