Vendée Globe 2008-9: Cape Horn for the Leaders; a third competitor heads for New Zealand

Roxy, the fastest in the last 24 hours, reaching along in the Southern Ocean. Image copyright Sam Davies/Roxy/Vendée Globe.

by Véronique Teurlay and SailRaceWin

Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia), who has been in the lead for 19 days now, will reach Cape Horn within the next 24 hours. He has one last day in the Pacific Ocean, where the winds are blowing 40 knots and the waves are a permanent menace.

Desjoyeaux is 73 miles ahead of Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement), and has a lead of 452 miles over Jean Le Cam (VM Matériaux). Sixth placed Samantha Davies (Roxy), who has been the fastest over the last 24 hours, is 2,000 miles from the leader.


Sam Davies is happy with the wind, while Chuck (the autopilot) sails Roxy. Image copyright Sam Davies/Roxy/Vendée Globe.

Jonny Malbon (Artemis II) has decided to head for New Zealand as he has significant delamination issues with his mainsail. Following a succession of technical issues since leaving les Sables d’Olonne, the British skipper and his sponsor prefer to throw in the towel before engaging completely in the Pacific Ocean.


Shadow over the moon. Image copyright Sam Davies/Roxy/Vendée Globe.

Leaderboard at 0500 GMT 4th January 2009

1 Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) 7375 miles to the finish
2 Roland Jourdain (Veolia Environnement) 73 miles from the leader
3 Jean Le Cam (VM Matériaux) 452 miles
4 Vincent Riou (PRB) 701 miles
5 Armel Le Cléac’h (Brit Air) 724 miles
6 Sam Davies (Roxy)

Vendée Globe