Vendée Globe

Michel Desjoyeaux leads the fleet by 45.4 miles and is making his approach now towards the east end of the New Zealand Gate now benefiting from the south-westerlies.

Vincent Riou has continued his gains on PRB, making another five miles on the leaders between 0330hrs and 0930hrs GMT this morning, now lying in fifth place.

Sam Davies reported this morning that she is keeping hold of her lobster bisque Christmas dinner until conditions improve (new socks pictured), while Brian Thompson is recovering after a hard 36 hours. He has been up the mast of Bahrain Team Pindar. Only on the second attempt did he manage to re-splice his lazy jack, and this morning he has just seen Dee Caffari sail up to within a mile of Bahrain Team Pindar.

Meanwhile here is a round up of what the French speaking skippers said at the radio vacs this morning:

Armel Le Cléac'h (Brit Air): Gusting to 42 knots in squalls and cross seas, so not ideal to go quickly and hard on the boat. Several difficult days coming up.  Wind has gone from NW to SW.  Pleased Ice Gate further north as did not want to go south into ice. It's a race not a record attempt so a few extra miles is not a problem.  Celebrated Christmas yesterday. Some books, sweets, DVD... Hopes to be able to read and watch video when it's calmer.  Had some duck and red wine last night. Wind feels cold.  Hopes to reach western edge of Gate in 10 hours.

Vincent Riou (PRB): 40 knots of wind and seas building.  Hopes to have better conditions in Pacific.  The aim is to make sure the boat is in good shape at the Horn.  If only a day behind at the Horn, thinks Armel and him are still in with a chance. Thinks he will be at the Horn on 4th.  The Gates are good, but extend the route.

Sébastien Josse (BT): Cross seas and 25 knots of wind. Gradually seas should calm making higher speeds possible.  Doesn't yet know when or where he will pass gate.  Will open his presents on the way up the Atlantic, because current conditions not really ideal for enjoying Christmas.  Should have left the worst weather behind in Indian, as Pacific usually has better seas.

Sam Davies (Roxy): Lack of wind, so not moving quickly. Yesterday 30-knot winds reaching making it uncomfortable.  Now only 20 knots sailing upwind. Fortunately seas are calm.  Lots of great presents. Surfer Ken, Barbie's boyfriend and a naked man as presents.  Has been in contact with Marc Guillemot.  Nice to be with someone else. Mexican meal today.  Has a range of products from various countries.  Doctor thinks she hasn't been eating enough.

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