"Finally, I am around the Kerguelen Islands; it seemed to take forever and a lot of work jibing downwind to get by. It looks like an interesting place to visit from the charts but after Bernard’s and Dominique’s experience, I will probably pass this time. I had a nasty scare last night when I tried to start the engine to charge the batteries and all that came from the engine was the sickening sound of the starter clicking trying to kick in but not enough power to do so. I rushed to turn all the surplus instruments off, at this point the chart plotter was the only extra piece running and tried the engine again and it started. I was sh ocked as there is no way to jump start the engine and I was thinking that a visit to Kerguelen might be in the cards after all. Further investigation revealed a loose wire on the starter motor and not an under charge situation. Whew, another disaster averted. There are so many small mechanical things that hold the race in the balance."
Derek Hatfield (Algimouss-Spirit of Canada) in his daily message

 

"He does have a broken femur, that’s clear. He’s probably got some broken ribs and he has probably got some other injuries which the doctor and his team are assessing. At the moment we’re heading north to provide him with more care ashore. He’s in good spirits though and he’s just about to ring his wife! It took about 45 minutes — probably took longer to find his passport, which he had hidden pretty well, but we got that!" 

The Commanding Officer of HMAS Arunta  talking after the successful rescue operation.  

 

"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.