At the rear of the fleet, however, Raphael Dinelli is expecting severe conditions. News from him and more French skippers from today’s radio broadcasts below - all pleased to hear of Yann Elies rescue yesterday, see the images and video from yesterday's rescue in MEDIA or click here

3rd - Sébastien Josse (BT): 20-25 knots and calm conditions in a transition zone. There was a bit of sunshine, but has now disappeared. I spend the whole day asking myself questions about whether I have the right sails up. But a decision is always necessary. Expect rough upwind conditions as I pass New Zealand gate in 4 or 5 days. Pacific should allow better conditions for high speed and attacking. I look at the mast every day to check for anything worn. I called Jean this morning and we chatted, so comparing manoeuvres. We'll only see in a few weeks who was right to push hard and who was right to ease off and wait.
4th - Jean le Cam (VM Matériaux): Hard work trying to keep up this pace. In 3rd and 4th place we're spectators watching the two front-runners. Now is not the time to go on the attack, we'll see at the next gate. We cannot really do what we want and get a regular schedule. It depends on the sea state. It would be difficult to get any sleep in the current conditions, as there are cross-seas and the risk of broaching. I eat when the sun comes up and when the sun goes down - lentils and pork for dinner tonight.
5th - Armel Le Cléac'h (Brit Air): Reassured that Yann is now in good hands. It was a shock hearing the news of his injury and you imagine yourself in his place. Difficult think about sailing at 100% of capabilities after seeing what happened to him.
I have kept my time set to GMT and have managed to structure my day like that - I eat my lunch when it's getting dark. In the cold you eat more and you need more calories. Sardines, couscous and chocolate mousse for lunch. Sometimes think about how nice it would be to eat cheese and bread and butter. Will be having a special Christmas meal, but the weather doesn't look good for Thursday. The menu will be a surprise. If it’s rough, I will put off opening presents. I prepared presents for my family before I set sail. I've never had to prepare Christmas so early!
6th - Vincent Riou (PRB): A quiet day with little wind. Taking advantage of calm conditions to check, clean and tidy the boat. Stronger winds forecast tomorrow. A low coming down from Australia, so with Armel Le Cléac'h has headed a bit further north to take advantage of winds. Hadn't wanted to choose a southern option as feared ice. Our days are structured with rankings, but we try not to count the days going by. We're around halfway. There are days that are interesting and others which are less so. Today has gone quickly as there was a lot to do
17th - Raphaël Dinelli (Fondation Ocean Vital): Heading to the north of the Kerguelens. Has been communicating with French fishing vessels about bad weather moving in. Will be aiming for repairs in shelter of Stewart Island off New Zealand rather than Kerguelens. Zero visibility as thick fog. This morning it was sunny, but now can only see the sea just in font of the bow. Could be in Scotland. Priority is to be cautious.