"I'm sailing rapidly to the south towards the first gate, which I reckon to reach in about ten days.  Today, there was a magnificent sunrise,accompanied by some snarling gusts. I just noticed them in time and leapt outside into the cockpit like an old pirate and got through it by steering by hand, without taking in any reefs. Some wonderful moments, a backdrop of the wild force of nature, but there were some fabulous colours and with warm spray and the boat pushing through the seas.  Then the second highlight of the day: the opening of my first Advent biscuit tin.  Celebrated with three biscuits after my morning muesli and they were just great.  I'll be rationing out the rest."  Norbert Sedlacek (Nauticsport-Kapsch) in his night message

 

"It feels like the Forties already. A bit warmer and with fewer birds, but apart from that, it's the same. Low cloud cover with intermittent rain.  The wind is stronger than forecast gusting ten knots above the average speed, which isn't very stable either in strength or direction. In general the wind is on the beam, which means foul weather gear is required out on deck. However, this is allowing  Cheminées Poujoulat to make good headway and in the right direction, which is excellent. If all goes well, this wind should keep blowing until tomorrow afternoon. However, it's not really that pleasant, as the seas are coming towards us slightly, so the boat is being tossed around from wave to wave.  Already getting a meal is complicated. Thanks for all the birthday greetings..."
Bernard Stamm (Cheminées Poujoulat) in his night message

 

Bernard Stamm (Cheminées Poujoulat) was once again today the competitor covering the most miles towards the finish.  Over the past 24 hours, Bernard, in nineteenth place, covered 327 miles.  He is now only 54 miles from Jonny Malbon (Artemis) and 702 miles from the leader.

 

Yesterday, Dee Caffari (Aviva) suffered damaged to the tack fitting and spinlock jammer  for her staysail.  In her latest video, which you can view online, she shows us the damage and the lashings she has had to put in place.  Click here to see this video.  

 

Marc Thiercelin will be taking part in tomorrow's French radio session. The skipper of DCNS will talk about what exactly happened when his boat was dismasted and he will also be telling us about his future projects.  Remember you can listen to the show everyday live on the website and read about what the French skippers have been saying shortly afterwards. 

At 17h15, Raphaël Dinelli informed the Race Directors that the conditions are stopping him from sheltering in the lee of Trindade. The swell is too high (1.5m to 2m), the wind is gusting, because of the effect of the volcanic island and the shoreline is too shallow, making it too dangerous for the boat.  He is therefore looking elsewhere to be able to stop in order to repair his mainsail halyard.  Once he has found somewhere, he will inform the Race Directors.