"Feels like I have been in one massive squall for the last 24 hours – 20 – 28 knots of wind, thick cloud, and horizontal rain. Sounds just like England. Hope to have a little break in the weather at some point, but maybe not for 24 hours. Still, making good progress, and life on board is not to bad."
Jonny Malbon (Artemis) in his daily message
A transition day for the Vendée Globe fleet. Some are finding it difficult to get out of the St. Helena high, while others are beginning to pick up the winds that will take them to the Atlantic gate and the Cape of Good Hope. See all the action and the latest news in the daily video for the 21st day of racing. Just click here.
"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.
