They are about 78 miles apart NW-SE axis. Bilou going almost due east, Mich ’ Desj’ NE. Veolia Environnement has been more than two knots quicker and the Foncia solo skipper sounded tired and displeased on the radio vacs this morning

They are about 3400 miles to Cape Horn and still reckon round Jan 4^th. It has been very quick in Pacific.

In third and fourth Seb Josse (BT) and Jean Le Cam are only 14.6 miles apart in terms of DTF, Le Cam a little quicker this morning but describes the conditions as ‘infernal

Dee Caffari has been flying since yesterday evening. She got Aviva fully ramped up and trucking through the night and was fastest in the fleet, making 390 miles and she will, of course, be gaining on Marc Guillemot only 185 miles ahead and detouring north to Auckland Island

Here is the summary of what was said and discussed on the French speaking Radio broadcast, live to the Race HQ at the base of the Montparnasse tower in Paris.

Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia):  Not pleased with what he has been doing.  Squalls meaning very variable winds (25-42 knots).  Satisfied with course, but not with speed, as "I'm simply not sailing well.  I'm often like that, but you don't realise it!  I don't always tell you."  Thinks more ice gates will change as ice spotted on course. Will have to get back up northwards in that case.  Lot of manoeuvres to do, but not particularly tiring

Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement): Decided to move northwards 25-45 knots of wind with gusts up to 50.  Very high waves, which are spectacular and waves breaking a metre over bow.  Wasn't feeling too good with mainsail track problems, so cheered himself up by dressing up as a pirate Father Christmas.  Admits video work (editing and transmission) means a  lot of work, but was a pleasure to dress up if he made people laugh he's happy. Surprised by number of boats out on water - cargo vessels in the Doldrums, fishing boats in the Kerguelens, boats going up to Central America and South America. There are however moments that are so good you tend to forget the rest afterwards. If someone had told him he would be second on 47th days of the race, he wouldn't have believed it. Funny that they are back in the same situation as 8 years ago with Mich in the lead and Bilou second.  If there's ice at 45°S we'll soon have to go via Suez and Panama.  45°S is the same latitude as Bordeaux and there's ice.

Jean Le Cam (VM Matériaux):  Seas are infernal. Cannot go quickly as when boat slides of waves, you don't know what is going to happen.  Constant worry.  Probably why Mich changed course. Enormous waves, cross seas and 50-knot winds.  Fed up with these conditions, as any respite is temporary and it is worse than forecast. Looks set to continue for at least 24 hours.  Has to hang on all the time  - a fairground ride that goes on and on for days.  Only 30 knots of wind at moment, which is like being becalmed.  Squall to starboard and expecting gusts around 45-50.

Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas):  Had a book for Christmas, some Nutella, a DVD, sweets, so happy.  Talked to Jonny Malbon yesterday and has been in contact with Sam Davies.   English lessons as also in contact with Dee and they write in each other's language.  Disappointed to see them sailing faster than him today.  Will be going on the attack now in the Pacific to chase after Brian and Dee, but not looking too good for weather for 48h.

Marc Guillemot (Safran):  Heading for Auckland Island. Not a lot of life there, just three explorers and lots of animals and birds. A lot to see, but he isn't there as a tourist.  Thinks it will take 10 hours for whole operation.  Everything is prepared.  Has grown colder and it will be at night he will be working up the mast, so likely to be cold.  Track broke away at level of second reef. Will need to drill and fix a spare piece of track he had aboard the boat.