"Had the reacher up for several hours this afternoon, much effort to get it up, much more effort to get it down when the wind built to 30 knots, one of the sail changes that shows very little result for the effort. Thinking of Yann all the time on the foredeck. For the last week, I've been wearing my helmet all the time on deck, and now I'm even wearing it down below, at these high surge speeds. Spoke with my mother and sister back in Boston today. Quite emotional for me, as my mother is 92. She is the original adventurer in our family, having moved from Seattle to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1938.  Should I be so far away at Christmastime? I have two goals, finish the racecourse, and deliver a great school program. But do those outweigh family? In light of Yann's terrible distress, all questions are valid."
Rich Wilson (Great American III) in his daily message

 

"Yet another typical Southern day. I spent some time at the helm. Then, I changed the alternator, because it seems the old one wasn't charging properly or maybe I have been using a lot of electricity.  Unfortunately, I have been unable to install the system to furl the main genoa, and so I can't use it. It would have improved my speed by 0.5 to 1 knot, but it's not reasonable to use it under these circumstances.  I can surf along too with a reef in the mainsail and the second genoa."
Norbert Sedlacek (Nauticsport-Kapsch) in his daily message

 

In her latest video sent earlier today, Sam Davies (Roxy) explained that she was too far away to reach Generali before the Australian frigate arrived, so was going to be standing down and returning to the race.  You can watch this clip by clicking here.

 

At around 1050hrs GMT Marc Guillemot confirmed live on today's radio broadcasts that the transfer of Yann Elies from Generali onto the Frigate HMAS Arunta has been completed.

Marc Guillemot, (Safran), who was on standby next to Generali, reported from the scene, saying: "Some highly professional work. They prepared Yann for the transfer. Still heavy swell but they carried out manoeuvre perfectly. Yann is now aboard the frigate and has a doctor taking care of him."

Marc was overcome by emotion, "It was like a dream. It didn't seem real. They took care of that magnificently."

The Australian frigate's RIB is now returning to Generali to pick up two crewmembers who were on board to assist with the transfer. 

Sam Davies, GBR, (Roxy) is waiting to be stood down, she was due to arrive early afternoon but has reported that she will wait until the minute she hears that Yann is on board the ship, but she is all stacked and ready to gybe when she hears the news.

At around 0940h GMT this morning the RAN RIB arrived alongside Generali. Two personnel were despatched on board immediately to assess Yann Elies condition. There are three another people on board the RIB. The Arunta is sitting about 200 metres upwind of Generali and holding station.

"They are circling the boat.  They are in the lee of the boat.  Someone has gone aboard.  They are onboard, Yann.  A great moment!"  Marc Guillemot could not hide his joy as he described the scene to Vendee Globe race control