"Port tack, heading east from Maceio, couldn't quite fetch the coast, so at the 100 meter line, I tacked to go east for about 25 nm or so, then tack back. Was still 20 nm offshore, but there was a
gigantic thrunderhead dead ahead, a wierd low showing on the grib file over land, and lightening winds in that area as well, so although we were within 5 degrees of fetching Recife, it seemed more prudent to bite the bullet  and head out here, then tack back and be certain that we will fetch.  Saw a sailboat this morning tacking out rfrom the coast as well, and a big container ship going north, staying off the 100 meter line also.  We've been hard on the wind tryhing to get up this coast since the huge storm off Uruguay, and we still couldn't find that extra few miles to be able to finally fetch. We'll see now if we can do it when we tack back in an hour or so."

Rich Wilson (Great American III) in his daily message

The latest ETA for Samantha Davies is around two in the morning (GMT) tomorrow, as early this afternoon, she said she was sailing at more than ten knots. Roxy will remain moored until dawn and then will make her way into the harbour at around 08h00 GMT

Still busy undergoing physiotherapy to recover the full use of his leg, Yann Eliès is planning to be in Les Sables d’Olonne to welcome Samantha Davies and Marc Guillemot : «I'm planning to be out on the water to greet them. I'll be going on board in the protected area in the harbour, where there are no waves and accompanying them up through the harbour entrance, as they experience the final moments of their Vendée Globe. I really want to be there for both of them: I shan't forget that they both did all they could to get to me and support me as I awaited the Australian rescue team. They both deserve a place on the podium. They both had an incredible race. Sam is due to finish on Saturday, while for Marco, it is looking more uncertain, as he continues to sail in a risky configuration… »

"Last night was one of the hardest of the race. The forecasts were for winds of around thirty knots. Between midday and one in the morning I had some extremely violent winds with hurricane force gusts. It was a barometric low that caused the wind to shift from east to north-west to south-west. It was completely crazy… The boat was knocked down three or four times with her mast, boom and sails in the water. My video camera is no longer working as it fell into the water and oil, when an oil bottle broke. It got everywhere and is very slippery. There were some real mountains of water where you ride up and then suddenly plunge down. I’m extremely tired after being at the helm for hours in a very heavy swell. Sometimes I had to grip it with my feet as my hands could no longer hold on as the pressure on the rudders was too great. I’ve got a few pinches and my muscles are aching. I’m going to have to wait until it’s light to see how much damage there is and tidy up. There’s still a heavy swell – as soon as the mountains turn to hills, I’ll take some photos and videos to give you an idea of what happened to Nauticsport-Kapsch during the night."

Norbert Sedlacek in an e-mail this morning

“Difficult day with shifting winds, 20 knots 2 knots, east, northeast, north, southeast, black clouds with no wind, sail maneuvers in response to threats, but to no avail, 10 sail changes today, all for naught, go 12 knots in the right direction, then 9 knots in completely the wrong direction, then 2 knots and lose steerage, 6-7' waves with no wind driving them, choppy from different directions, what is going on here? Very frustrating to say the least. Encountered a ship last night, starboard to starboard passing, called him on vhf when abeam 1/2 mile off, suddenly his radar went on, don't think he had any idea we were there. Full moon has been spectacular.”
Rich Wilson ( Great American III) in his daily message
 

"Roxy and I have had a good day today running away from the high pressure that's chasing us! Under spinnaker all day, doing good speed and fun sailing. This evening the wind has been heading us and after some "yee-ha" spinnaker reaching, with a couple of nice wipeouts that have tidied up my chart table (i.e. sent everything loose off to starboard!) I have wisely changed to solent + ORC.
I have just been in the cockpit having another karaoke moment - making the most of one of my last nights out here on my own! Leaning on the coachroof looking backwards at Roxys wake, lit up by the moon and streaming out for as far as I could see. Singing out at the top of my voice! I wish I could stay out there all night, but I must rest, ready for a tough 24 hours of light wind sailing to get through the high "bubble" that is going to block our progress tomorrow night. So, radar on, to keep watch for shipping, I am going to get some sleep now....."

Sam Davies (Roxy)in her daily message