Equator has been passed by VG2012 leaders

The leading Boats in the VendeeGlobe have already passed the Equator and for their good benefit , no doubt, cheers some navigational liquid with Neptune :) 

a simulation of the VG2012; not the Virtual Sailors but the Real Boats

Banque Populaire, skippered by Armel Le Cleac'h, is leading a pack of 5 boats some 40-60 Nm behind. For all of these skippers the big question will be how to sail around the St. Helene High; which is at the moment rather far South and even East. 

Most likely is to sail West around it, but how far South to go? 

Above image is a simulation of the Real Boats (a short motion impression can be seen here) ; not to be confused with the Virtual Boats.

There are now 14 Boats sailing only as Gutik, with his   electronic problems on the autopilot, could not fix it and  has     retired from the race. 

The VG2012 is improving, to the extend that 4 boats  retired in 1st  week and only 2 in the 2nd week.