The breeze is keeping the sailors guessing in the final approach to the start of the Vendée Globe - currently it is about 12 knots, but very up and down. All the skippers will be trying to get the boats set up for the conditions they expect while they still have support crew on board to hoist headsails etc.

Mike Golding and Alex Thomson are currently sailing under full main, but Cheminées Poujoulat,  Delta Dore, Gitana, BT, and the majority of the fleet have opted for one reef. Headsail choice also varies – Norbert Sedlacek is one of the 'adventurers' in this fleet who have opted for a deep reefed main and staysail, clearly taking a long-term view on the expected conditions for the next 12 hours and setting up for safety.