Rhythm of the Race Double digits for the lead group nearing Cape Horn, slower for those in the back who grumble about calms.

Standings table 

Top 3

1.  PRB 54 South 98 West
2.  Kingfisher 53 South 111 West + 460  miles 
3.  Sill  53 South 115 West +580 miles

Fleet round up section

Michel Desjoyeaux has kept PRB out front after jumping a favorable weather system that those behind did not benefit from.  He's .5 knots faster than Kingfisher and 2 knots faster than Sill.  

From Ellen Macarthur's comments below she realizes that Desjoyeaux's lead stands a small chance of being permanent.  

Sill's lack of speed maybe due to have to sail under reduced main due to damage in the Southern Ocean.

Yves Parlier is nearing his stopping point where he will carry out his plan to lengthen Aquitaine Innovations mast.

Skipper Communications

Ellen Macarthur Kingfisher "Mich is away though. Its very frustrating, he got on the back of that system and we missed it. He will probably have a 2 to 3 day lead as he goes in to the Atlantic, I have not given up hope of coming back on him, but it looks increasingly difficult."

Michel Desjoyeaux PRB "The cape Horn represents the end of the Southern ocean and an objective which was 990 miles away this morning... my log book showed that I should have passed Cape Horn at lunch time on the 10th but as I slowed down a bit, I should arrive later... Before the start the big question was: which rythm to hold until the Finish?
At the moment we have a 1/3 of the answer. We’ve had a close and pushy Atlantic run. After it was obvious we had to reduce the pace. On my boat there were many signs showing I had to slow down!
I can see Christophe’s route on my machine. We must not forget what he said four years ago when he passed the Horn, the record is the last priority, the most important thing is to come back home"

Yves Parlier Aquitine Innovations "If I arrive tomorrow, I will need to consolidate my anchorage with some stones I will get onshore... Monday I will dismast, wednesday I will dismantle the mast, thursday I will put the two sections on, friday I will laminate, saturday, I reinstall the mast and sunday I restart!

I have two aluminium anchors. I will put one and keep the other one as a security. I will put a stone half way between the anchor and the boat."


Current Weather Again a different wind for Desjoyeaux (223°) with the next two boats in a westerly.

Weather Forecast Winds could lighten as the leaders round Cape Horn.

What does it all mean

PRB's lead is significant.  However, judging by the track record of this edition of the Vendee, perhaps not permanent.