Rich Wilson (Great American III) crossed the Equator during the night and filmed the countdown as the GPS went from north to south.  You can watch this video simply by clicking on the video in the media section.  

 

Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec-Virbac 2) sent this message to his shore team this morning:
"The wind shifted earlier for Loïck and Sébastien. They accelerated before me.  I think now I have the same wind as them and am picking up speed.  Further to the west, Golding is sailing very quickly.  I'm going to have to keep an eye on the English fireman.
Today I have a lot of strategy to work on. I'm going to be spending a lot of time at my chart table studying the weather. Things can change quickly, but none of the weather models seem to agree.  There is a huge high blocking our route, so we're going to have to watch that. The route we decide on is a gamble about the future.  Everyone is heading south. There are no other options for the moment as the situation is not clear.  Apart from that, everything is fine on board: I got some rest to deal with St. Helena and I'm looking after my boat before we hit the south."
 

Brian Thompson (Pindar) is currently sailing at the latitude of Bahia in 11th place, 241 miles from the leader.  After over two weeks of racing, it is clearly a pleasure to catch sight of someone else.
"Even though it's an enormous ocean I have seen other boats during the race, Ecover near Madeira, Roxy three times and this is the second time I have seen Dominic. I have talked to all 3 boats and it is great to chat just for a few minutes about the extraordinary experiences we are all having out here in the Vendee Globe.  Saw one gannet yesterday with bright red feet, a storm petrel, and several very large flying fish."  

 

Remember you can watch the highlights of the day to catch up on what has been going on in the race. Just click on the daily report video in the media section each evening.

"Hello earthlings!

Out here on the South Express road we are still careening along on a fast upwind angle. Life continues at an angle of 20 degrees.
Today I discovered that a diesel tank has sprung a little leak, so that is a repair on the job list, and luckily I still have some oil absorbing cloths to clean up with. I'm waiting until it is a little less bumpy to do the job properly!
I had a shower like the boys do this afternoon - on the bow in the spray.  Not bad - the sea is so warm - but not quite enough spray to rinse my hair off! obviously the last rinse is with a litre of fresh water, so now I am nice and clean with soft skin! I've even got clean clothes on!
This evening it was "TV dinner" - freeze dried lasagna in front of my computer screen."

Sam Davies (Roxy)

 

"More of the same sailing with big black clouds mixing it up for us. A wet and hot ride makes it difficult to dress for these conditions. Wet on deck and hot below. Lots of tweaks will keep the progress south going."

Dee Caffari (Aviva)