Clear path Home for the leaders in VendeeGlobe

The leaders are sailing just south of the Azoren islands, and MACIF has a 90 Nm lead over Banque Populaire. The winds are showing, at the moment a favorable Westerly direction to speed the Homecoming; ETA now expected late Saturday 26 or Sunday 27 January 2013. 

A Happy Leader in the VendeeGlobe 2012

A sad story for Jean-Paul Dick, as his Boat lost its Keel some 2000 Nm from Les Sables. He is still considering his options, but for the moment with these moderate easterly winds, the boat is stabilized by taking in some 7 tons of water-balast. The speed has dropped but is still close to 10 kts. 

Sadly Virbac Paprec3 has lost its Keel

Some adverse winds are predicted on his course, and the question is whether it will be safe for Boat and Skipper to sail on or to visit the Azoren??? 

Alex Tompson, is now catching up and about 120 Nm behind but expected to pass in 1 1/2 day. The Podium seems far away for Jean-Pierre, but  his successor on 5th place is still south of the Equator and most likely not able to pass, even when the boats speed is reduced to the high single digits.