"Today is an unusual day in the south -  wonderful blue skies, sea birds, a light westerly and occasional snow and sleet showers.  Fortunately we can see them coming on the radar, when it is working properly: Prudence remains the watchword to ensure the mast remains up.  In fact, there can be short, violent stormy gusts in these squalls, even if with their rain, snow and ice they appear harmless."
Norbert Sedlacek (Nauticsport-Kapsch) in his daily blog

 

"I am torn between racing to Yann at a breakneck speed and not pushing too hard to risk damage to myself or Roxy. I know I must be sensible, and get some rest en route so that if I am needed I will be on form. I'm ready to do anything to help, as I’m sure any of the other skippers in this race would be.  The trouble is, as Yann cannot move and we are alone on our boats in quite big seas, there is little we can do other than offer company and moral support as we await the rescue. We are, of course, also on stand by to help if ever Yann’s condition were to deteriorate. I feel for Marc on Safran right now - being so close to a friend who is suffering so much, but feeling almost useless, is a tough situation to be in. At least Yann can now hear a friendly voice nearby which must be comforting and reassuring.  My thoughts go out to Yann’s wife Soizig and their family, who must be extremely worried to hear that their loved one is in trouble so far away from home.  Thankfully, soon he will be in very good care."
Sam Davies (Roxy) in a message sent this morning.

"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.