After discussions with Dee Caffari's doctor, concerning her knee problem, it appears the inflammation does not concern the joint, but only the tissue around the knee cap.  This is probably due to resting too long on this area during the long period of upwind sailing heeled over on the starboard side. Thanks to the treatment and advice she has received, it now seems to be improving.  She must, however, monitor the situation over the coming days.
Dr Jean-Yves Chauve

 

Steve White completed his 30-minute penalty yesterday evening at 20h04 UTC.  Like several other competitors, he was given the penalty by the International Jury for passing a buoy on the wrong side shortly after the start from Les Sables d'Olonne.

 

Today's prize for the greatest distance covered towards the finish goes to Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia), who clocked up 345 miles over the past 24 hours.  This evening, he is in eleventh place only 20 miles behind Marc Guillemot in the rankings.  

 

“I have a big bag containing a mixture of birthday and Christmas presents. As a result I’ve opened a few presents today and of particular note was a present from my eldest daughter as well as one from Gitana Team: a small, remote-controlled helicopter!” Loïck Peyron, celebrating his 49th birthday is in second place this evening, 43 miles from the leader.

 

Message sent today by Raphaël Dinelli (Fondation Ocean Vital): "Following the decision not to stop off Trindade yesterday evening, we decided to head for Vitoria in Brazil. This morning I managed to remove the loose part of the mainsail halyard cover and I put two stitches in so the halyard will work.  The cover has come off the length of the mast starting with the fixed point at the top of the mast.  I'm heading now for the Tristan Islands to try to drop anchor there.  I think I can sail without damaging the halyard up to first reef, unless it's gone right through at the top. See you soon. Raphaël"
 

The pictures taken by the skipper of PRB, who had the reflex to turn his camera on just after moving away from his fellow competitor, show that this was not a story about the one that got away.  The video shows just how close the racing is in the Forties.  Unprecedented for a Vendée Globe!   
Vincent Riou's (PRB) version of events:
"It was one of the most dangerous moments I have ever had on the open seas. With Virbac, I was forced to grab the helm, because he was starboard and I was on the port side.  So I just had to give way, as he had priority! It just goes to show how close we are… It's completely mad!"

"I just came within a few metres of PRB. I didn't see him as I was sleeping. Vincent called me to tell me.  Luckily he saw me, or it would have been a complete disaster!  With hindsight, it was pretty scary!"  Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec-Virbac 2)

Click here to see the video