Manuel Cousin resumes his race after a collision with something last night

Sometimes the fastest, most efficient route between two points on the Vendée Globe course is not the shortest, most direct course. Usually it is. But occasionally something big and brutal blocks the way and prudent, avoiding action is needed and that often means sailing more miles.

The skippers in the Vendée Globe are not only sailing with the winds and currents, but also in the company of some fascinating marine birdlife. The entry into the Southern Ocean was marked by the aerial dance of seabirds, captured on video by the skippers.

Nine skippers are into the Indian Ocean. Ahead for them is the first big storm of the big south in what promises to be a challenging week on this tenth Vendee Globe

While speed has been the main focus in recent days, the situation is starting to change. The Vendée Globe solo sailors no longer just have their eyes glued to the rearview mirror to monitor their rivals. They also have to monitor the arrival of a train of depressions, the first will arrive in the…

Yesterday was about sun, selfies and DIY for many competitors, but today all are finishing preparations to join the leaders in the cold and windy south. It will be a quick transition from the Atlantic Ocean to a very different phase of the race and the first major storm to negotiate.