The first episode of a five part series on the Vendee Globe will be shown on the British TV channel, Channel 4 tomorrow morning at 07h30 GMT. The series concentrates on the British entrants and includes footage filmed by the sailors themselves, as well as the highlights of the race. Tomorrow's programme deals with the preparations by the British skippers. From next week, the programme takes up a regular slot on Channel Four on Saturday mornings at 07h30 GMT.

Based on this morning's weather charts and positions, Météo France has come up with the following ETAs for the next three boats.

- Great American III: from 12h00 GMT on Thursday 5th March to 00h00 on Saturday 7th March
- Fondation Océan Vital: between 8th and 10th March
- Nauticsport-Kapsch: between 12th and 14th March
 

You can view all the pictures of Steve White's finish in the media section (photos) or by clicking here.

"I crossed the Equator at 01:29 GMT. Now I have to sail upwind in the NE'ly trade winds. There are around 1700 miles to sail to reach an imaginary waypoint to the west of the Azores, to get around the Azores high. After that it will be straight for Les Sables d'Olonne."

Norbert Sedlacek (Nauticsport-Kapsch) in his daily message

And thousands of people are out ot greet Steve White, incredible. Both sides of the canal are teeming with people and White looks almost reluctant, not quite knowing where to look but he is going to love it just the same, he has the flares lit on the foredeck and is accepting the applause and cheers with a huge smile and waving as much as he can. A perfect end to his race. He had two packets of custard creams this morning.

And a big banner saying 'Thanks Steve, you have made us dream' on the left bank as he comes in. And Cali, Arnaud Boissieres is in a RIB alongside adding his best wishes.

And Steve White finishes his Vendee Globe in eighth place at 13:38:55  local time, not quite knowing what to do, no jumping about, just a quiet smile and a wave to everyone. Incredible. He just looks very relaxed.