In this holiday season, there is no respite for the Vendée Globe sailors. At the head of the fleet, Yannick Bestaven (Master CoQ IV) has encountered a high-pressure system which is not a gift... The suspense is guaranteed for the days to come!

On this 45th day of the race, in the middle rankings, less than 400 miles separate the leader from Isabelle Joschke (MACSF) in 8th position (and first woman) with a little less than 10 000 miles to go until the finish line.

The skipper of Maître CoQ IV, who is currently sailing around 3,000 miles from Cape Horn, commented on the situation this morning: "The end of the week will be interesting to follow. May the best man win, all is to play for! I prefer not to think about my lead, the weather data is very varied in the high pressure, but for sure, if I pass, it might be the jackpot! How much is it going to bring? If I can consolidate my leading position, it will be a great Christmas and birthday present! "The sailor will celebrate its 48th birthday on December 28th.  

For Thomas Ruyant (LinkedOut), 180 miles from the leader, the uncertainties remain: "This moment can be an opening as well as a regrouping. I hope that Yannick (Bestaven) doesn't leave in front. He sails very, very well, he makes few mistakes, he knows how to go fast with his boat, you can feel that he is at ease. He has confidence in himself, I wish him all the best, but I don't want him to go out in front, even if he deserves it. He is in his right position, he has managed to be opportunistic with the problems Charlie and I had. He knew how to come back, he knew how to take advantage of our small damages, he manages his trajectory and his leadership very well. For the time being, he's doing flawlessly. I'm trying to hang on, I hope I won't be too far from his position!" 

It's going to be a week of suspense in the South Pacific, and long hours behind the tracker for us here on land!