Vendée Globe

A ridge of high pressure extends south-westwards from the high centred over the Bay of Biscay.  This is in the process of slowing down the Vendée Globe fleet.  The speedos are down to between 10 and 13 knots from the 15-17 knots yesterday.  The east to NE'ly wind has eased off to between 8 to 15 knots and will not be strengthening today, although temperatures are starting to warm up.  Some have been in the wind shadow of the islands and are finding it difficult to get away.  Yet another day of fine adjustments.
To the north of the Canaries, the trade wind is a little stronger, 12/17knots, and those chasing after the leaders are narrowing the gap. It is still very light off the Portuguese coast, while a moderate easterly flow is blowing to the north of Cape Finisterre.
Richard SILVANI
Météo France