Vendée Globe

A less certain period for the leaders who are due to encounter some stronger headwinds for the next 24-36 hours which will make it tougher for them to get the 200 miles or so north to the gate, and they will in effect end up much closer to the eastern end of it.

Michel Desjoyeaux leads by 61.5 miles. Roland Jourdain is second and has lost little over the morning six hour period to 1000hrs GMT.

Jean Le Cam is furthest south, about 45 miles south of the track of Foncia, and is quickest over the six hours to 1000hrs GMT this morning, making 17 knots which is almost three knots quicker than Foncia and second placed Veolia Environnement.

So the opportunity should be there for Jean Pierre Dick to close a few miles on the leader, on the heels of the next depression. He sounds moderately confident in his rudder repairs but it still needs some maintenance and conservation.

Four boats have crossed the International Date Line and two more should cross today, Armel Le Cléac’h had 40 miles to run and Vincent Riou had about 69 n miles to reach it this morning.

Yann Eliès is doing well in hospital, his family are with him now and the operation on his femur went well. Marc Guillemot has been hampered by light winds since getting back into the race but is in brisk 25-30 knots northerlies now with an awkward cross seas, progressively catching Sam Davies who is about 80 miles ahead on Roxy.

Here is a summary of what the French skippers had to say today

Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement): Sunshine and reasonable conditions, so fairly pleasant.  No Christmas decorations. Is pleased to get away from a lot of what goes on at Christmas back home (crowded shops...).  Can choose when to celebrate Christmas, but for monkfish meal not really ideal conditions. Christmas is a time for sharing, so it's only fair for those behind to narrow the gap. Strong winds and heavy cross seas ahead.

Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia): Relatively calm seas for these seas, which is pleasant after the rough conditions of the Indian. Tricky situation ahead as a low arrives.  Thinks he won't have to manoeuvre a lot, but gales forecast until Western Pacific Gate for next couple of days.  Pleased to have got some rest.  As winds come around, seas will be difficult. It's only once in those conditions that he will be able to decide on his pace, as it's not something you can plan ahead.  Friends with those around him, so can joke with them and it's a friendly battle. Having crossed the International Date Line, his Christmas will come after Christmas in Europe.  He tends to celebrate New Year more than Christmas.  Doesn't really disturb him not to be celebrating and will make up for it later

Marc Guillemot (Safran): Uncomfortable sailing conditions as wind on the beam 30-35 knots earlier now down to 25 knots.  Sea temp has gone from 8 to 5.5° since yesterday.  It was not easy getting back in the race from where he left Yann, as very light winds.  Now the wind is back he is feeling better.  Yann rang him last night, and that was a Christmas present  that he appreciated.  Yann wanted to express his gratitude, but Marc finds what he did normal and has no regrets about the race.  Yann sounded fine and was pleased with treatment. Also talked to Sam about what happened and about her great race. She is teaching him English too.  Hasn't opened his presents yet.  Doesn't feel like celebrating by himself - it's like drinking alone.

Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec Virbac 2):  Has just opened Christmas presents.  Chocolates, 3 books (IQ tests, a detective story about the Vendée Globe and 365 Days at Sea) and caramels.  More important than the presents there are the nice words from his friends and family.  This is his third Christmas in a row he hasn't been home for Christmas.  Is due to cross the International Date Line tomorrow, so will have two Christmases.  Has moved south and it's very cold again. Is expecting strong winds particularly as he approaches the Gate. A few worries about his repairs, and wants to strengthen system he put in place with ropes.  Was thinking of stopping at Auckland Island, but strong winds forecast.  So will be repairing at sea later on.

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