Vendée Globe

The leaders are around 600 miles from Cape Horn, and the front duo of Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) and Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environment) are still pushing hard at speeds of 15-16 knots.

The tough pace is taking its toll on both boats and skippers, with several boats suffering sail damage and tiredness creeping up on many — not for the ever-cheerful Sam Davies (Roxy, GBR), however, who continues to enjoy the Southern Oceans with Roxy posting the fastest average speeds between this morning’s scheds. News from her and other French skippers this morning…

3rd - Jean Le Cam (VM Matériaux): (sounding extremely tired and taciturn) Not too bad, but strong winds and rough seas all the time. Wind likely to drop off around the Horn. Fed up with these tough conditions, as no respite and punishing seas. Boat is in good shape for Atlantic, but conditions not allowing fast sailing.

4th - Vincent Riou (PRB): Wind has shifted slightly. Hasn't been shaken around too much as wind has been around 30 knots with choppy seas. Brilliant sunshine and a starry night. Last time rounding the Horn was great as 15-knot winds and sunshine. Doesn't think it will be the same this time. No major damage to handicap him on climb back up the Atlantic. Expects to reach the Horn on Tuesday night. Weather will decide if they can narrow the gap on leaders afterwards. Boats sail more quickly now as total time around the same as in 2004 in spite of extended route and very different weather.

6th - Sam Davies (Roxy, GBR): Sailing quickly this morning. Wanted to take advantage of low pressure behind her to keep her distance from Marc Guillemot. Regularly above 20 knots without really trying. Took in a reef to slow down to be more reasonable. Proud to be sailing faster than ‘the Professor’, when he was aboard the boat (the former PRB in 2000-2001). Would like to sail on other boats to compare them. Looking forward to Cape Horn, but will be sad to be leaving the Southern Oceans.

7th - Marc Guillemot (Safran): Still forced to sail with three reefs in. Waiting for calmer conditions before trying to repair again to use second reef. Has been playing around with headsails and satisfied with his progress, as conditions were favourable. In 30 knots of wind, it's not a real handicap, but when the wind drops to 20 knots he loses 15-20 per cent of efficiency and below 20 knots really handicapped. Only advantage is there are fewer manoeuvres. Fears wind will ease off tomorrow. This will be his first solo rounding of the Horn. The Horn itself isn't that marvelous — there are more beautiful headlands in Brittany, but it is a symbol. Planning to stop possibly where Bilou stopped after Horn. Doesn't have any anchors, so depends on sea and wind conditions.

15th - Raphaël Dinelli (Fondation Ocean Vital): Starting to get dark as he approaches East Australia Gate with a low coming behind him. Was tough at Christmas with several problems at the same time with lazy jacks and halyard. Deep low pressure areas and cross-seas in the Indian Ocean, so waiting for the Pacific to find better conditions. Has been in contact with Norbert as fairly close. Still has energy problems so limiting power consumption. As he heads back up to gate, should get more sunshine for solar panels.

 

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