Vendee Globe Day 36 Onboards. Pip Headed Melbourne, Fast at Front heading Point Nemo, Exploding Rams

Two days after snatching second from Sébastien Simon, (Groupe Dubreuil), Yoann Richomme, skipper of PAPREC Arkea, is hard on the heels of Charlie Dalin, (MACIF Santé Prévoyance). At just less than 18 miles behind Dalin, who has led since December 2nd, Richomme is consistently quicker.

But while Richomme is impressing with his measured attack at the same time all the Vondée Globe skippers have been thinking of Brit Pip Hare, (Medallia), who dismasted last night, and is now heading under jury rigging towards Melbourne, Australia. Other problems are mounting up through the fleet in an especially brutal Indian Ocean. Benjamin Ferré, (Monnoyeur - DUO for a JOB, 23rd), had to work "for twelve hours" to repair a keel ram problem, Antoine Cornic, (Human Immobilier, 33rd), and Denis Van Weynbergh, (D'Ieteren Group, 37th), both climbed their masts while Arnaud Boissières, (La Mie Câline, 29th), is dealing with an injured knee.

So far Richomme is not satisfied. He was happy to pass close to and film the Auckland islands off the south east tip of New Zealand, that he was able to sail past and his pace is relentless.