Jourdain has been pushing hard and apparently is managing to sail consistently quicker since last night than The Professor who is some 50 miles to his north. Desjoyeaux commented this morning that conditions would be ideal for someone to challenge the speed record. 

Desjoyeaux was making 14 knots this morning with Jourdain quicker again.

Sam Davies reported this morning that she had to back down after getting something wrapped around her keel on Roxy, this occurring some time after her rudder had been struck by a floating object. Brian Thompson has an issue with his alternator which he has been trying to fix. Steve White is set to take advantage of the settled conditions and try to make repairs to his gooseneck on Toe in the Water.

Here is a summary of what was said during this morning’s French speaking radio broadcast live from the race course:

Marc Guillemot (Safran): Some "minor problems".  After repairs off Auckland Islands, yesterday evening the mainsail track snapped off again, so back to square one.  A bit disappointed, but not giving up. Back to mainsail with three reefs. Goal is now to simply to reach Les Sables as quickly as possible.   Series of ups and downs in this Vendée globe. Damage not in same place exactly as before. Has certainly had a very rich race.  No regrets.  Some amazing moments, such as repairs in Auckland Islands.  Doesn't want to spend his time cursing his bad luck, as had some wonderful emotional experiences. Feels he was privileged to go through some of these moments.  No stop before the Horn and even afterwards isn't certain - depends on the weather and looking for another solution.

Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia):  Was sleeping when they woke him. Should pass final gate in 24h. Looks like he will pass gate before weather changes, so should be able to pick up wind to sail down to Cape Horn.  8 years ago 650 miles ahead of Ellen at Falklands, but she narrowed the gap considerably on the way back up from there, so having a good lead could be important, but being in the lead at the Horn doesn't guarantee you victory in Les Sables.   Could well be shaken up again for New Year's Eve celebrations with 40 knot winds.  At the moment nothing to do.  So sleeps for 1.5 hours.  Hasn't been at the helm for ages.

Sam Davies (Roxy):  Yesterday hit a UFO.  Doesn't know what it was but something fairly solid. Had to get out the tools to repair what she had already repaired once.  As it was the rudder in the water, it was  bit hairy.  After that she was tired as she had to furl and unfurl and then stack on the other side, as the wind shifted.  Now conditions are perfect.  Something got wrapped around keel, but after manoeuvring freed it. Needs to replace gennaker with solent shortly. In seventh place, but largely due to retirals and doesn't want to think about that as there's still a long way to go. Touches wood in her companionway each time she moves around as so far has been lucky.

Vincent Riou (PRB): Must not complain as seas are reasonable and wind is steady.  The gap widened because the leaders had a front.  Can't do anything about that.  The opposite could happen in a few days.  When sailing, the wind narrows and widens the gap in such races.  Very different crossing of Pacific from 4 years because stronger winds and a lot more manoeuvres to do this time and an extended route with ice gates. Probably more normal conditions this time than in 2004.  Between each gate there are 3 or 4 days sailing and weather forecasts are reliable, so that explains why strategy limited.  Boats that are close are following same strategy.  Thinks he will be at Cape Horn on 6th.

Raphaël Dinelli (Fondation Ocean Vital): Under staysail and three reefs. NW winds 40-50 knots earlier today, now southerly winds, so cross seas.  In the middle of the low.  Wind on the beam and seas completely white.  Has spent  a few hours at the helm as worried about lack of power. Has never had such nasty conditions in the south.

Jean Le Cam (VM Matériaux): Was fearing worse and in fact hasn't been held up as much as he thought. So hasn't suffered too much.  A lot can happen at the Horn, so 300 miles doesn't mean that much.  Much more irregular conditions this time than four years ago. Sudden squalls making it difficult to know what to hoist.  Found himself with gennaker up in 40 knot winds. Wants Gildas Morvan to light a candle for him in Camaret Church. Hadn't notice that it was New Year's Eve coming up. 51 days at sea??  Already?? So how long are we going to take to do the race??  About the same as last time?