Best pressie for Jean-Luc

The intrepid round the world sailor is now 10 days ahead of Philippe Monnet's record

Day 47. Position at 1300: 50°02'S / 138°38'W
Wind: 15 knots from NW. Sea: slight.
Temperatures: day 11°C/ night 7°C/ sea 9°C
Distance covered in the last 24 hours: 276 miles.
To the antemeridian 1,599 miles.
Lead over Monnet: 10 days and 12 h.

Hi there,

I've done it! I've got 10 days' lead over Philippe Monnet thanks to a nice day with some favourable winds. The sea got up a bit, and we once again did some surfing along at more than 20 knots.

It's really pleasant to be scooting along downwind after a few days sailing close hauled with the wind head on. It reminds me of some great moments from the Vendée Globe, when we were going in the opposite direction! Unfortunately, that only lasted for a dozen hours or so, as very quickly, the wind backed northerly then NW and abated, but it's still better than nothing!

I'm already licking my lips thinking of this evening's meal: as a starter I have some foie gras, then some duck «à l'orange», some camembert and to finish off some chocolate almond dessert. And of course, I'll be opening one of the fine wines from my cellar! I've chosen a 1997 Saint Julien. I'll also be opening all the parcels that Father Christmas left me before I set sail from Les Sables d'Olonne.

I wish you all a merry Christmas.
See you tomorrow,

JL VDH

A day with the angel musician, Suzanne's figurine... Quite appropriate for Christmas to have an angel!