"Off the Kerguelen Plateau at long last, seas much smoother. Mini-front came through last night with wind shift. Wind dropped to 15 knots from 25/30 knots, had 3rd reef and staysail, rolled staysail to make gybe easier if we had strong gusts, then never did. But I remember distinctly in my study with Jean-Yves Bernot in the summer, he said "do not take Indian Ocean fronts lightly." So I didn't, gybed the 3rd reef, went along for a while awaiting a blast, and this time didn't get it, the text report had suggested perhaps gusts to 55/65 S of 46S, where we were, but didn't materialize. Set staysail, curled up at nav station to let weather settle before adding sail area, woke up 4 hours later doing 7 knots! Then set 2nd reef, then solent, then 1st reef, and now we're on the move again, wind at 20, boatspeed at 12+. A bit later, our GPS trip log turned over to a magical 10,000 nautical miles sailed since the start, average speed 10.5 knots.  Had a nice chat with Jonny Malbon on the Iridium last night before the front, he was kind enough to call, he fixed his desalinator which is a good repair, and is making good speed now. Good to talk, especially with what happened to Yann yesterday."
Rich Wilson (Great American III) in his daily message.

 

"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.