Vendée Globe

Sailing to the north of the huge low, the five competitors at the front of the race are still sailing in steady 25-35 knot winds with gusts, and are still making good headway. The three frontrunners are sailing down directly towards the Horn.
In the middle of the fleet, it is on the southern edge of a ridge of high pressure that the competitors are sailing in moderate SW to NW winds.
Steve White just out of the strong NE'ly flow, is temporarily in a westerly flow, which will soon veer northerly and strengthen, making it difficult to move northwards in such conditions.
Still cold and unstable SW'ly winds for Jonny Malbon and Rich Wilson, with sleet and snow forecast.
The 25-30 knot NW'ly winds for the tailenders will back westerly, making it necessary for them to tack as they cannot sail on the direct route.
Richard SILVANI  Météo France