Vendée Globe

Michel Desjoyeaux is still quicker than Roland Jourdain but they have both slowed again Foncia making 12.7 knots to Bilou’s 11. Jourdain’s gain is 30 miles spending some miles to come back east again. Yesterday morning he was 104 miles behind, now 176 mile

There has been a small gain to Armel le Cléac’h on Brit Air who is sailing upwind in 25-30 knots of breeze.

Sam Davies reported this morning that she is up to full strength for the final 700 miles push to Cape Horn which will be in tough conditions, after a day of eating and a day of good rest, the Roxy skipper was on great form this morning.

Dee Caffari has been sailing alongside, in sight of, Arnaud Boissières’ Akenas Veranda, enjoying the morale boost of not only seeing another Vendée Globe boat but also passing the 9^th, penultimate, ice gate of the course ‘in tandem formation’

Steve White is back in breeze, making 11-12 knots again after a couple of long slow days trapped in a high pressure system on Toe in Water. Ever industrious White has repaired his goose-neck to 80% of its previous integrity, re-anchored his generator and checked his rig as well as a re-calibrating his pilots.

Here is a summary of what the French skippers had to say at today’s radio’s vacations

Marc Guillemot (Safran): 1000 miles from Cape Horn with wind likely to strengthen.  Will probably round the Horn early on Monday. Still suffering from being obliged to be under reduced sail.   Hasn't decided yet where to do his pit stop, as he doesn't have any anchors. Slightly frustrated with the Pacific, as he couldn't get the most out of the boat.  Probably better conditions than those ahead had.

Sea temperature down to 7° as he goes down into the Furious Fifties.  Has seen some albatrosses and petrels. For him the Horn isn't a tourist site, but more a mark signalling the end of the long Southern Ocean. For three or four days has been feeling tired, in spite of not having much physical work to do, so due to pace since the start. Treating himself once a week to pasta instead of freeze-dried food.

Sam Davies (Roxy): In a cold front and a low forming, meaning the wind is very variable.  Hoping to reach the Horn early on Sunday morning.  Doesn't want to go too fast by hoisting more sail, as waves too violent for boat.  Yesterday was a day of rest.  Pleased to be ahead of Dee, who has a newer boat, but she is slowed because of sail problems.  Has been talking to albatrosses, but they are timid and tend to circle the boat.  Sees more when she hides from them.

Armel Le Cléac'h (Brit Air): The big news is he has shaved off his beard.  Wind on the beam allowing good speeds. Closer than 5 miles to Falklands last night so did some tourism.  Saw some fishing boats too.  Pleasant night with clear skies.  Still aiming to sail back to Les Sables as quickly as possible.  However the duo ahead are in a different weather pattern, so some things are beyond his control.  Pleased to be third, and still hopes to reach Les Sables in good condition.   If there are any opportunities he will take advantage of them if possible, but nothing in sight for the moment.

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