"Hi there, I lost some time this morning changing a batten, which broke, when the boat broached during the night. The boat went over on her side, but managed to right herself. Luckily I was out side at that moment and managed to grab the helm. Just one broken batten, which isn't too bad.  I lost twenty minutes, but I wanted to go out to the end of the boom and needed to be secured to do that in these seas, which made it difficult.  A solar panel also got ripped off the deck. I'm thinking of Yann.  After this action-packed morning, it's time to get some rest in my veranda sheltering from this bad-tempered Indian. "

Arnaud Boissières (Akena Vérandas)

 

Taking in account the following information:
The position of ice detected with Sat Radar Envisat/ Potential routes the competitors could follow to head to New Zealand door 8 after passage of Eastern Australia door 7 / Notice of Race rider 4/ IC Rules 8.2 article.
The race direction decided to change New Zealand ice gate 8 coordinates
New coordinates are :
48°00 South
Between 170°00 West and 160°00 West.

Over the past 24 hours, Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) sailed the greatest distance towards the finish.  Between 19h yesterday and this evening, the leader, currently 12,821 miles from the finish, covered 422 miles.

 

"Another day of 35 knot winds and high speed down wind sailing. The high pressure system above me is starting to take hold and I am thinking about a jibe to the south although the angle to get around Kerguelen Island won't be great. There is a fishing fleet here at well that needs some attention as they use long lines with traps so not to messed around with for sure. The captian of the fleet is kind enough to send us reports of the boats in the area so that we can give them a wide berth. It's very cold outside right now with rain and drizzle making conditions on deck very unpleasant. All for now."
Derek Hatfield (Algimouss-Spirit of Canada) in his daily message

 

Rich Wilson's update today says;

46/46/s 68/46E 1349 UTC 12/18/2008, 10 knots, staysail and 3 reefs in the
main, 28-34knots wind, WNW, making E course.

Were at 2 reefs and solent for a while, then rocketed off too many waves at
high speed, buried bow, loading up rigging too much for my comfort level,
so backed off, first to 3rd reef, then to staysail when wind got up
further. Crossed the corner of the 1000meter plateau north of Kerguelen.
When we crossed the 2000 meter line, could see a distinct change in the
color of the water, oddly, almost tropical, or at least a lot more tropical
than the typical Indian Ocean gray for water and sky.

Last night, got out the Star Book to begin my reeducation in southern
Hemisphere stars. The book was written by H.A. Rey of Curious George fame,
and it is fantastic, with the mythologies of the stars and constellations,
I highly recommend it. Found my favorite star here, Alpha Centauri, mostly
because the name just rolls off your lips in a most fantastic way...Alpha
Centauri, sounds magical.

Sea is pretty choppy here on the plateau, pilot is working hard, and it
will be good to get over it,not sure if cutting the corner was worth it, as
we've had to slow for the confused seas.

Devastated to hear of Yann Elies broken leg. Saw him the day before the
start in Les Sables d'Olonne, riding his bike, standing on the pedals, with
his daughter on the seat behind him. Kind as always, he rode over and
introduced his daughter to me.

"Just to let you know that I passed the longitude of the Kerguelens at approx 0400 UTC. I was wall to the north and I have to say I am very happy to finally have cleared the islands.  It seems like I have been looking at them for a very very long time!  At least now I can move on to the east and towards home. We had a great nights sailing, fast with good waves for the first time.  The breeze has increased to 30 knots this morning, but the sea is still behaving and we are making some good progress.  Spent most of yesterday fixing the watermakers again – I was down to 3 litres, so things were desperate.  I have now made about 15 litres and adapted the water feed.  They seem to be working much better now, so fingers crossed. Onwards now to the next ice gate, and Christmas under Australia!!"
Jonny Malbon (Artemis II) in his daily message